“Napoleon” stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role, with Empress Josephine portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. Ridley Scott handled directorial duties. Photo Credit: Sony Pictures
I went to the theater with the high hopes of being transformed back to the time of the French Revolution through the eyes of Napoleon Bonaparte. From the very first scene of Marie Antoinette’s beheading, it was clear that this movie was going to be a film unlike any I had seen before. We go from Napoleon watching the queen’s death to him leading an army into battle.
As the movie progressed, however, it quickly became clear that it was far from what I expected and not always for the best. While Napoleon fights battle after battle, his wife, Josephine, is left at home. She eventually finds a lover (a betrayal we are shown as well as her reconciliation with her husband). More time is spent showing his relationship with Josephine than delving into his victories and other achievements.
One thing I wish the movie had spent more showing was Napoleon strategizing and showing his leadership abilities. Instead, he is portrayed very weakly and the movie does not give explanation to the events happening. Watching the movie as someone who enjoys history and spends a lot time learning, I was only able to follow along based on knowledge I had of this man before the movie…the story explains nothing. The scenes come together as if multiple people were writing them, but no one knew what the others were working on.
Additionally, its approach to historical accuracy is loose and regularly strays from established fact. While expected of a modern-day biopic, it was still disappointing at times. In my opinion, it appears that the writers either did not know very much about Napoleon or they did not like him as most of the time the writing does not portray him in a good light. While the writing left much to be desired, the acting was on point and done very well. Every scene felt like I was watching in real time; the ability to make viewers feel as if they are in the scene is an exceptional thing to do and they managed it incredibly well. Will I see it again? Probably not, but despite not enjoying the movie, I still think it is well worth the experience.
Rylee Schaeffer, Executive Editor