Joaquin Phoenixs Napoleon Villain or Victim of His Own Mind?

In Ridley Scotts latest epic, Napoleon, Joaquin Phoenix prowls the corridors of power as the famed French emperor, but amidst the grandeur and battles, a question lingers like an enigmatic aura: Was Napoleon the villain or the hapless hero of his own saga?

In Ridley Scott’s latest epic, “Napoleon,” Joaquin Phoenix prowls the corridors of power as the famed French emperor, but amidst the grandeur and battles, a question lingers like an enigmatic aura: Was Napoleon the villain or the hapless hero of his own saga?

The film gives us a glimpse into the complexity of a man whose mind is bigger than his ambitions, from the battles and pensive contemplation to the coronation at Notre-Dame, where snacks rival popcorn.

Phoenix’s portrayal captures the inner workings of a cerebral Napoleon, a man seemingly trapped within the battlements of his own thoughts.

Scott’s film rushes through historical milestones, compressing the chaos of campaigns into mere lines of dialogue.

While it showcases gruesome battles and intimate gore, the movie grapples with portraying Napoleon’s internal conflict: his struggle between conscious role-playing and shaping his place in history.

Phoenix’s portrayal leans into the introspective, presenting Napoleon as a man wrestling with his own destiny. His interactions with Marie-Louise and Josephine paint a picture of a man consciously orchestrating his public image, forever aware of the eyes of history upon him.

However, the movie falls short in its attempt to capture Napoleon’s spirit. Scholars may scoff at historical inaccuracies, from the timing of Marie Antoinette’s demise to the Duke of Wellington portrayed by Rupert Everett. But Scott seems to be more enjoying the craft of storytelling and dramatic flair than he is obsessing over historical details.

In the midst of this cinematic whirlwind, the film struggles with the age-old debate: Was Napoleon a hero or a villain? Phoenix’s portrayal oscillates between brooding contemplation and calculated power plays, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of his character.

Phoenix’s Napoleon seems more a victim of his own self-awareness, perpetually questioning his persona and place in the world. His relationships, especially with Josephine, underscore the tumultuous struggle for power and identity within himself.

The film, like Napoleon’s life, suffers from plotlessness as it attempts to distill a lifetime of events into a comprehensible narrative.

Though it has some amazing set pieces and private revelation moments, it lacks the narrative momentum of Scott’s previous works.

Final review:
Where I wasn’t confused, I was insulted. It’s not literally me.
“It’s not a Napoleon movie. It’s a Joaquin Phoenix movie.” – gentlemen next to me
5/10 for a Napoleon film
6.5/10 for a movie pic.twitter.com/MDLlLHdM7H

— Napoleon Bonaparte Appreciator (@NapoleonBonabot) November 22, 2023

“Napoleon” challenges viewers to see past the apparent divisions in a world overflowing with clichés of the hero and villain.

Napoleon is portrayed by Phoenix in a way that makes us wonder if he was a crafty manipulator of history or merely a victim of his own self-consciousness.

Ultimately, the film leaves us with an enigma—a Napoleon who, through Phoenix’s portrayal, embodies the intricacies of human ambition and self-perception. Villain or hero, the answer remains elusive, submerged within the labyrinth of Napoleon’s own mind.

As Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Monster” unearths the subtleties of human relationships, “Napoleon” beckons us to delve into the complexities of historical figures.

The question of Napoleon’s character lingers, inviting audiences to navigate the maze of his mind and discern the truth behind the legend.

In the end, Joaquin Phoenix’s Napoleon stands not as a straightforward villain or hero, but as a prism reflecting the intricate facets of human ambition, identity, and the relentless pursuit of legacy.

ncG1vNJzZmiolZq9tMPIs2Wcp51ktbC4y7KuqKeUZLewrdCuoKdloJ28prrIsapmppGlvK2xzqdkr6Gcoa6quoyoqWaumZjBqrmMqJ1moJmoerDDzWakoqaUZA%3D%3D

 Share!