Napoleon

Annotation for KRRR! 2024 by Filip Hos

In his latest biopic, Ridley Scott brings a new perspective on the famous French warlord. He focuses on the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix), his military and political achievements – and especially his multi-layered and dynamic relationship with his wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). It should be noted that Ridley Scott is not so interested in faithful reconstruction of historical events, for which he has been criticised, especially by French film critics and audiences. So don't expect a lecture on one important period of French history, but above all a historical spectacle about the intrigues of political elites and the complex personal relationships between characters – and with an emphasis on conveying an intense experience.

One can also look forward to spectacular battles, which are undoubtedly among the film's strengths and offer a compelling reason why it is worth seeing Napoleon on screen in 70mm projection. The film's script was written by David Scarpa, who has worked with Ridley Scott on both one of his previous films (namely 2017's All the Money in the World) and one of his upcoming ones, more specifically the long-discussed sequel to the twenty-four-year-old Gladiator. In Napoleon, the tandem comes up with a narrative centered on psychologizing the famous warlord. In doing so, they portray Bonaparte as a single-minded and ruthless tactician who has no problem bloodily quelling protests in the streets, but is subject to the influence of both his mother and his wife Josephine in his decisions. His jealousy, marital problems and family relationships are closely tied to his military career and rise to power, while providing a counterbalance to the bloody action and battle scenes.

Despite his age, director Ridley Scott once again comes up with a historical spectacle on the level of his previous hits such as Gladiator or Kingdom of Heaven, in which we can also appreciate the humour that Joaquin Phoenix, in the lead role, contributes, perhaps a little unconventionally, with his acting.