AS SOMEONE WHO loves studying history, I've always hear a lot of great things about Napoleon Bonaparte.
He revolutionized the art of warfare with his groundbreaking military tactics, he even changed the climate in Europe as he spread the ideologies of the French Revolution to other countries.
While his greatness has been echoed in history, there are other aspects in his journey that are worth looking at, such as his personal life.
Napoleon may be one of the most influential figures in history, but deep inside, he is also a flawed human being, something that Ridley Scott emphasized in his latest film.
WARNING - Minor spoilers ahead
A different perspective on Napoleon
If there's one theme highlighted in the film, it would be Napoleon's (played by Joaquin Phoenix) relationship with Josephine (played by Vanessa Kirby).
From the get go, one will notice Napoleon's true character, a very direct, uptight, and blunt individual who lacks decency.
It's the sort of personality that makes him a great military general, but as the film progresses, one will notice how things will slowly crumble down in his personal life.
All of which would snowball until the film's end.
While history has proven that Napoleon manages to overcome the odds he faced, Scott focused more on his vulnerable side of the Emperor, which does a great job in humanizing the character.
And this was balanced well by the film's script as it explored on the character's personality, where Napoleon had bouts showing his hilarious and romantic side, while also unveiling his heartless, childish, and egotistical behavior.
But it's not just only Napoleon's romance with Josephine where Scott grounded the historical figure as this was also subtly showcased with how he deals with his inferiority complex.
There was no exaggeration with how Napoleon felt about his insecurities and this was further emphasized especially in that scene when the General travelled to Egypt and encountered a Sarcophagus.
There was not a lot of dialogue that took place, leaving room for interpretation.
Phoenix and Kirby elevated Napoleon's true character
But of course Scott's direction wouldn't reach the desired outcome without the attention to detail from the film's casts.
From the facial expressions of Joaquin Phoenix, one may notice a sense of depression, inferiority, and even a cold-hearted demeanor. Then there were scenes where Phoenix was eating his words, highlighting the character's moments of doubt and despair, but most importantly his complexity which was something Phoenix learned upon studying his real-life counterpart.
And even from his highs, one will notice the brilliance from Phoenix like that scene where Napoleon grabbed the Crown, or how he interacted with the opposing military commander after his victory in Austerlitz, showcasing various levels of authority.
But Napoleon wasn't the only one whose authority reigned in the film as Vanessa Kirby's portrayal of Josephine would also influence the film. One may notice that Josephine wasn't just a character who Napoleon can brush aside as there were scenes where Kirby's portrayal could send chills, especially in moments when she wanted to prove her point.
All of these add to the complex relationship between Napoleon and Josephine which was heavily felt until the final scene.
The battle scenes
While these are definitely major highlights in Napoleon, one should never deny the battle scenes, which has been a major staple in Ridley Scott's films.
All the battle scenes were executed well, from the sound design, CGI, and even slow motion effects. But ultimately, all of them captured the depth of one important element in warfare: strategy.
The Battle of Austerlitz was perfectly staged as it manages to capture the harshness of nature and how Napoleon took advantage of it. Just by looking at the CGI of the stormy blizzard, one can immediately capture the impending doom that awaits.
Then there's Napoleon's infamous invasion of Russia, where Scott brought a gloomy and depressing atmosphere which further enhanced the strategic depth from Czar Alexander I's military prowess.
Even that moment when Napoleon was sitting on Russia's throne, one may feel that Alexander was simply toying his rival especially from the bird fecal excrements surrounding the palace.
However if there's one battle that really shined the most, it would have to be the Battle of Waterloo. There was an element of foreshadowing based on the dramatization of the scene, from the stormy atmosphere, Joaquin Phoenix's facial expressions, the usage of the Britain's signature square formation against Napoleon's cavalry, etc.
From the moment the camera pans towards the desperation from Napoleon's eyes, comes the fragility that the scene wishes to portray.
CONCLUSION
Watching the trailers could provide a hint that Napoleon will be a film centered on his greatness, but Scott went for the opposite approach which perfectly brought France's Emperor grounded to reality.
Given the overall narrative, history fans would appreciate the emotional complexity from the titular character and his lover, as well as the amount of detail not regularly seen from Napoleon's dramatization.
And as the film reaches the credits, fans will surely discover Napoleon's true Waterloo.
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