Napoleon

 

Napoleon, is Ridley Scott’s historical drama that depicts the rise and fall of the French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.

The plot and overall score left me wanting more. The pacing suffered from sluggish stretches that drug the narrative down. The length of the film was also an issue. At over two hours, the film felt stretched thin with multiple moments that could have benefited from tighter editing.  The script additionally fell short of Scott's usual high standards. It lacked the depth and complexity of epics like Gladiator, leaving you unfulfilled and questioning the film's central purpose.

Ridley Scott's signature filmmaking style was evident, particularly in the battle sequences. They were chaotic and visceral, however, this intensity wasn't sustained throughout the film.

The acting was mediocre at best. Phoenix and Kirby's decent chemistry offered glimpses of what could have been, but it was ultimately buried under the weight of uneven writing and pacing. Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon lacked the usual intensity he brings to roles. Vanessa Kirby fared a bit better with her delivery of a nuanced performance as Josephine, though the script unfortunately limited her potential. Additionally the absence of French accents or language threw a wrench into the authenticity, leaving an odd disconnect between performance and subject matter.

While the costumes deserve praise for their historical accuracy, everything else struggled to impress.

In the end, Napoleon felt like a missed opportunity. An all-star cast, a well-respected director and an intriguing subject matter that unfortunately stumbled on its desire to be epic.