Napoleon (2023) Movie Review

 Ridley Scott's latest film, "Napoleon," is a visual spectacle filled with epic battle scenes, but it struggles to find substance beyond the explosions. While Scott's craftsmanship is evident, the screenplay falls short, failing to infuse passion or purpose into the major events of Napoleon Bonaparte's life. Instead, the film feels disjointed, lacking momentum as it jumps from one significant moment to another.

The central issue lies in David Scarpa's script, which attempts to condense Napoleon's life story into a single film. From his rise to power during the French Revolution to his eventual downfall in 1821, the movie tries to cover too much ground in its runtime. While the opening sequence depicting the Siege of Toulon in 1793 is visually stunning, it's one of the few moments where Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon feels human rather than purely strategic.

The film hinges on the relationship between Napoleon and Josephine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby. However, their connection never fully resonates on screen, leaving Josephine feeling like a shallow character who merely reflects Napoleon's desires. The lack of depth in their interactions robs the film of much-needed emotional depth, particularly in moments where intimacy and conflict should shine.

Ultimately, "Napoleon" excels in its action-packed scenes but falls short in developing its characters and relationships. Without a stronger emotional core, the film struggles to capture the complexity of Napoleon's life beyond the battlefield.

Josephine is portrayed as the driving force behind Napoleon's aggressive military campaigns, but the film fails to explore the deeper implications of his warmongering. Rather than delving into Napoleon's psyche and the consequences of his actions, the movie opts for a straightforward portrayal of historical events.

Despite the lack of depth in character development, "Napoleon" boasts impressive technical prowess, particularly in its depiction of battle scenes. However, these moments fail to fully capture the essence of Napoleon as a complex figure, leaving the audience wanting more from the film.

Overall, while "Napoleon" may appeal to fans of historical epics, its narrow focus and disjointed narrative leave much to be desired. Instead of embracing the complexity of its subject matter, the film falls short, resulting in a disappointing viewing experience.