NAPOLEON (2023) REVIEW

 

FRANCE…. THE ARMY…. JOESPHINE

In Ridley Scott's grandiose war epic "Napoleon," the screen bursts with meticulously crafted battle sequences yearning for a more cohesive narrative thread. While Scott's directorial prowess shines through, the film's Achilles' heel lies in its shallow screenplay, failing to infuse major events in Napoleon Bonaparte's life with the requisite passion or purpose to engage the audience fully. Despite the undeniable spectacle of booming cannons and charging soldiers, the heart of the film remains elusive, leaving Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon feeling more like a spectral presence than a fully fleshed-out character.

David Scarpa's script attempts to condense Napoleon's meteoric rise and warmongering exploits into a single film, spanning from the French Revolution to his demise in 1821. The Siege of Toulon in 1793 stands out as a visceral highlight, with Phoenix's portrayal capturing Bonaparte's nerve-wracking nighttime assault on the harbor fort in stunning detail. However, the emotional depth promised by Napoleon's impassioned letters to Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) remains largely untapped, leaving their relationship feeling flat and underdeveloped.

As Napoleon ascends to power, fueled by his insatiable ambition and Josephine's purported influence, the film misses an opportunity to delve deeper into the psyche of one of history's most notorious figures. Scarpa and Scott eschew introspection in favor of a straightforward, just-the-facts approach, robbing the narrative of the complexity it deserves. Phoenix's restrained performance, while commendable, fails to inject much-needed vitality into Napoleon's character, leaving audiences yearning for a more nuanced exploration of his motivations and inner turmoil.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, "Napoleon" boasts technical prowess and breathtaking action sequences that may satisfy fans of historical war epics. From bloodied bodies breaking through ice to waves of soldiers charging into battle, Scott, Scarpa, and Phoenix succeed in capturing the visceral chaos of war. Yet, amidst the cacophony of battle, the film's disjointedness and lack of emotional resonance ultimately leave it feeling smaller and less impactful than anticipated.

Reflecting on my experience with "Napoleon," Ridley Scott's ambitious foray into historical biopic territory falls short of its lofty aspirations. While the film's visual splendor and solid casting choices hold promise, its fragmented storytelling and inability to strike a balance between spectacle and substance prevent it from reaching its full potential. For those intrigued by Napoleon's tumultuous reign, "Napoleon" offers a tantalizing glimpse into history but ultimately leaves much to be desired.