NAPOLEON

Hopes were high, Director Ridley Scott was at the helm – could we expect shades of Gladiator? Joaquin Phoenix takes the lead as Napoleon and his nuanced, absorbing performance is a key strength in this film. As one might expect, on a reported 200 million budget, the sets, costumes and locations are luxuriously delivered. Most particularly the battle scenes and the vast expanse of Waterloo, and grâce à Dieu, the CGI wasn’t overdone. (Although I prefer Waterloo, by a long shot.)
Despite the sometimes-oafish portrayal of ‘The Little Corporal’ – anyone who knows anything about the history, can’t help but admire a man who came from Corsican obscurity to crown himself Emperor, literally  – as Wellington himself admitted, Napoleon was the greatest General that ever lived.
It’s a pity references to Napoleon’s brilliant memory and organizational capabilities aren’t a focus; his motto was actually, “Liberty and Public Order”.  (Was it not Napoleon who introduced law codes, a higher education system, centralized administration, banking, road and sewerage systems?)
Expect historical inaccuracies galore, not least in the interpretation of Napoleon, himself; his character is made to appear ridiculous and weak. which, given his will and drive would have been highly unlikely.
This film’s portrait, rightly, features his obsession with Josephine (Vanessa Kirby,) and extracts of his famous letters are narrated to good effect; however, so much screen time is given over to the topic that it becomes tiresome – cleavage and bedroom scenes withal. (Roll of eyes.)
Upon what grounds, was the (jaded) Rupert Everett cast as Lord Wellington? Perhaps it was the clipped British accent? Either way he doesn’t cut the mustard; this becomes all the more ludicrous when he turns up later on the  deck of the HMS Northumberland. (Anyone who’s visited HMS Victory in Portsmouth will recognize the set.)
The energy of the film begins to lag, and the narrative, perhaps like Napoleon’s life becomes anti-climactic. Do expect every bit of historical-nonsense and you’ll find this an entertaining film – if not the sophisticated, deeply moving epic expected. The real Napoleon, after all, is a hard act to follow. One wonders what the French will make of it?
Rating: One bicorn (Napoleon hat,) and a glass of burgundy – raised!