NAPOLEON was such a disappointing epic film directed by Ridley Scott (THELMA AND LOUISE, GLADIATOR, BLACK HAWK DOWN). It was widely anticipated but never lived up to its hype. The film highlights the rise and fall of the infamous General Napoleon Bonaparte. Â
In order to feel empathy throughout the story, it is necessary to share empathic moments with the lead actor portraying NAPOLEON (Joaquin Phoenix). This was not achieved. Joaquin created a whiny, unemotional character. Joaquin was simply miscast. He was too tall, as history dictates, and had the charisma of a wet noodle. It was difficult to understand NAPOLEON’s true feelings by merely watching a frowny face man-child. The only time he emoted was when he wanted sex from Josephine. I never felt their love for each other – especially while Joaquin stamps his feet and boldly brays. If Ridley Scott wanted to make a film about their love story, then he should have committed to that concept and not gone back and forth between some of the bigger battles and sex under a table. Â
NAPOLEON was slow-paced except during the battle scenes. They were well-done, but few and far between. The costumes were phenomenal. I can’t fathom dressing 10,000 soldiers. (No CGI for Ridley) Can you imagine feeding all those extras? Kudos for the fighting, blowing up body parts, and death. But it just was not enough to sustain a 2.5-hour film.
When NAPOLEON finally finished, I was thrilled – I had survived. It is playing on Apple TV+.
