Ridley Scott's historical postcards from the film "Napoleon"
Dariusz Wolski's gorgeous frames and Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby's outstanding performances aside, Ridley Scott's biopic Napoleon manages to keep Napoleon a gorgeous cipher.
Napoleon by Ridley Scott is evocative of the great masters in every frame. Whether it is the six exquisitely mounted battle sequences, the more subdued, private moments, or the wild scenes of the Reign of Terror, there is something about the warmth and jewel tones that draws the viewer in and holds it there. Genuine works of art are the frames by longtime collaborator Dariusz Wolski (Prometheus, The Counselor, Exodus: Gods and Kings, The Martian, Alien: Covenant, All the Money in the World, The Last Duel, and House of Gucci).
While there
is much to enjoy about this biopic, there is also—there always seems to be
one—an undercurrent of resentment over opportunities that are overlooked in
favor of glitz and beauty. Why doesn't Scott discuss the administrative reforms
implemented by the French general and ruler, Napoleon, if his intention was to
paint a hagiographic portrait of him? Perhaps as a triangular hat-tip to his
preference for lucky rather than clever generals, his daring military
campaigns, which are still studied in war colleges, are presented as luck
rather than planning.
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