Ridley Scott's high-budget war epic, "Napoleon," unfolds as a series of masterfully executed battle sequences desperately searching for a more compelling narrative to unite them. Scott's trademark craftsmanship shines through, but unfortunately, it serves a screenplay that lacks depth and purpose, failing to establish meaningful connections between pivotal events in the life of its subject. Despite a phenomenal performance by Joaquin Phoenix, his character becomes a spectral presence, overshadowed by a two-dimensional and hollow portrayal of the film's central figure.
The script, penned by David Scarpa, attempts to encapsulate Napoleon Bonaparte's tumultuous life within the confines of a single film, spanning his rise to power, warmongering exploits, and eventual demise in 1821. Commencing during the French Revolution, the film initially showcases Bonaparte's political ascent with a focus on his military prowess. The Siege of Toulon in 1793 is a notable highlight, capturing the intensity of the nighttime assault with riveting detail. Phoenix's portrayal hints at a more human side, but this nuance is sadly fleeting.
The narrative hinges on the relationship between Bonaparte and Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), particularly their correspondence during significant periods. However, the emotional flatness of the film is evident as the passionate sentiments expressed in letters fail to translate into genuine emotional depth on-screen. Josephine's character, despite potential complexity, remains underexplored, reducing her to a mere reflection of Napoleon before her historical fate unfolds.
While Josephine ostensibly provides Napoleon with the confidence to become a historical warmonger, the film misses opportunities for a more profound character study. Scarpa and Scott take a disappointingly factual approach, neglecting the chance to make a statement about Napoleon and leaders of his ilk throughout history. Joaquin Phoenix, usually a master of resonant performances, finds little substance to grasp in a restrained portrayal that lacks the expected intensity.
Despite these narrative shortcomings, the technical brilliance of "Napoleon" may satisfy enthusiasts of historical war epics. The film excels in visually arresting battle sequences, featuring bloodied bodies breaking through ice and soldiers charging into battle with palpable energy. However, the disjointed and unwieldy nature of the film suggests a missed opportunity for a more profound exploration of Napoleon's character.
In the end, "Napoleon" falls short of expectations, delivering a film that feels remarkably smaller than Scott's usual ambitious endeavors. While the battle sequences may serve as a redeeming factor for fans of historical epics, the film ultimately lacks the grandeur and depth expected from a Ridley Scott production.
Catch "Napoleon" in theaters starting November 22nd.
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