Thanks for this breakdown of the film. I haven’t seen it yet but would like to if it’s still on the big screen somewhere. When it comes to interpreting historical figure in films, I think what some filmmakers do is cast an aspect of themselves in the titular roles. So when the main character does something they never did, that’s either the director or screenwriter coming through imo.
For a more idealized poetic portrait of Napoleon, I strongly recommend French filmmaker Abel Gance’s fullest version available (if you’re not already aware of it). The history of the film-as well as it’s restoration-are epics in their own right. My wife and I were lucky enough to see the 5 1/2 hour version which played in Oakland CA back in 2009(?). It was an event for the books!
I still enjoyed the movie, just because I'm glad that pop culture (i.e. non-historians) actually cares about Napoleon and history. But maybe my standards are too low, haha!
Napoleon should have been an easy sell. Your frustration is warranted. His story is just inherently interesting. But Phoenix didn't do a good job. Like you said, too much emphasis on the Josephine-Napoleon romance. But all of these are artistic choices; there isn't really a "right" way to do it. If I directed a Napoleon movie, it'd be a lot different. Maybe I'll write an article about it.
Great breakdown! I really enjoy this Substack, such a great mix of content and all presented very clearly.
Thanks, Apollo! Your stuff is great too.
Thanks for this breakdown of the film. I haven’t seen it yet but would like to if it’s still on the big screen somewhere. When it comes to interpreting historical figure in films, I think what some filmmakers do is cast an aspect of themselves in the titular roles. So when the main character does something they never did, that’s either the director or screenwriter coming through imo.
For a more idealized poetic portrait of Napoleon, I strongly recommend French filmmaker Abel Gance’s fullest version available (if you’re not already aware of it). The history of the film-as well as it’s restoration-are epics in their own right. My wife and I were lucky enough to see the 5 1/2 hour version which played in Oakland CA back in 2009(?). It was an event for the books!
Very cool, thanks for the recommendation! Maybe I'll write an article about the 1927 Napoleon movie.
I found the omissions so egregious that it ruined any enjoyment I might have gotten from the film.
I still enjoyed the movie, just because I'm glad that pop culture (i.e. non-historians) actually cares about Napoleon and history. But maybe my standards are too low, haha!
I was definitely excited about it. Maybe I was expecting too much!?
Napoleon should have been an easy sell. Your frustration is warranted. His story is just inherently interesting. But Phoenix didn't do a good job. Like you said, too much emphasis on the Josephine-Napoleon romance. But all of these are artistic choices; there isn't really a "right" way to do it. If I directed a Napoleon movie, it'd be a lot different. Maybe I'll write an article about it.