Napoleon review: An Unsettling and Repulsive Character

There is no need for any more movies about men doing whatever they want, but if anyone has earned the right to delve deeper into that concept, it's Ridley Scott. It's no surprise that his film, Napoleon, exudes a fearless and rebellious attitude both on and off the screen.

This historical epic is a crowning achievement for any director bound for timeless success. With a portfolio that includes iconic films like Alien, Blade Runner, and Gladiator, Ridley Scott has been operating within this realm for quite some time. While Gladiator explores a bygone era, Scott brings a touch of reality to his body of work with his portrayal of 18th century France.

The reality depicted in this content fragment is excessively loud, flashy, and utterly repulsive. In essence, it is more historically accurate than any expert could attest to. Why not utilize a legendary figure from wartime if it adds a touch of effortless coolness to the scene and, more importantly, pays homage to a man who was larger than life?

If Napoleon himself were at the helm of this film, his self-portrayal onscreen would closely mirror Scott's direction, frame by frame. Although this approach doesn't always succeed and often becomes so off-putting that the 2-hour 40-minute runtime becomes unbearable to watch, it perfectly captures the essence of the French Revolution from Bonaparte's perspective.

A fancy hat only gets you so far

War dominates the world of Napoleon and the Western world in the past centuries, characterized by a battle of arrogance. Napoleon Bonaparte, seizing power after the execution of the Royals, embodies this pinnacle of arrogance. Motivated by his intense animosity towards the British, Napoleon initiated wars across Europe for various reasons, causing the death of three million soldiers.

In his depiction of late 18th century history, Scott presents two contrasting approaches - focusing on uncertain moments that may or may not hold truth, or entirely skipping periods without explanation. This erratic and unpredictable portrayal reflects Napoleon's reckless behavior, but it hinders the clarity of the narrative. Moreover, Bonaparte and the world surrounding him are disconcerting in every aspect, including misogyny, a blatant disregard for anything beyond self-interest, and an overwhelming amount of violence and bloodshed in warfare.

The performances here lack excitement. Although there is a representation of almost every European accent, except for the French accent, Joaquin Phoenix doesn't always convince as a fearless and cold-hearted individual. Phoenix's best performance of the year can be seen in Beau Is Afraid, while the love interest Vanessa Kirby is overshadowed and not utilized effectively. However, one could argue that there isn't much to showcase in Phoenix's performance, considering that all Bonaparte did was cover his ears whenever a cannon was fired.

Epic battle scenes curry favor

Columbia Pictures

Scott himself takes on the leading role in this epic tale of Napoleon, and it's only fitting. The film is packed with gripping battle scenes that capture the essence of war in all its intricate glory. Each scene is a masterful display of action, leaving viewers mesmerized by the raw intensity. Given that these battles were a defining aspect of Napoleon's life, it's safe to say that Scott brings the cherished fantasy to life.

If the British war film was not so commercially inclined for a casual Sunday afternoon, Napoleon could have been the type of movie that the UK would want to produce about itself. It showcases a valiant and unwavering effort, often capturing moments of glory, and serves as the perfect façade for presenting victory to the rest of the world. Every aspect of the film accurately represents a man who consistently redefined his own identity, even including his supposed affection for his wife Josephine (Kirby).

However, Napoleon is a divisive film when it comes to the art of war. Nothing onscreen is impactful enough to evoke emotions beyond immediate repulsion, leaving too many unanswered questions lingering in between scenes. The movie feels its length, with the act of sitting down to witness a battle becoming an experience in itself. As the Duke of Wellington (Rupert Everett) points out, battle is something that Napoleon can never resist – and in this film, he is determined to keep audiences on their toes.

Napoleon review score: 3/5

Ridley Scott’s Napoleon undoubtedly mirrors the disturbed and disgusting little man that Bonaparte really was, even if the end result is somewhat jarring.

Scott may not have intended to overshadow the stories, trinkets, and jubilation, highlighting a relatively insignificant man who accomplished very little. However, amidst the larger conflict, that is precisely what he has accomplished, whether it is for the better or worse.

Catch Napoleon at the cinemas on November 22nd. Explore our collection of other TV & movie reviews.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the movie "Napoleon." On the one hand, I appreciate the film's stunning visuals and battle sequences. The film's depiction of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars is both immersive and educational. I also appreciate the film's focus on Napoleon's complex and enigmatic personality.

On the other hand, I find the film's excessive violence and misogyny to be off-putting. The film's portrayal of Napoleon as a ruthless and heartless conqueror is one-dimensional and lacks nuance. I also find the film's glorification of war to be disturbing.

Overall, I believe that "Napoleon" is a well-made film with strong performances and stunning visuals. However, I would caution viewers to be aware of the film's violent and misogynistic content before deciding whether or not to see it.