Depicting one of the most consequential figures in all of European history as a sourpuss clown who crazily rattles off nonsense is a brow-raising choice by Ridley Scott, screenwriter David Scarpa and the always peculiar Joaquin Phoenix. But that’s what this Napoleon is — a fool.
Many famous quotes are attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte.
“History is a set of lies agreed upon” is one. “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake” is another.
And then there’s a less familiar line that’s uttered by the emperor of France in Ridley Scott’s movie “Napoleon,” starring Joaquin Phoenix: “Destiny has brought me this lamb chop!”
Excusez-moi?
Earlier, when the strategic genius is frustrated by rival Britain’s naval might, he whines like a little boy who’s been bullied at recess, “You think you’re so great because you have boats!”
Depicting one of the most consequential figures in all of European history as a sourpuss clown who crazily rattles off nonsense is a brow-raising choice by Scott, screenwriter David Scarpa and the always peculiar Phoenix.
After all, a person can’t very well forge a half-million-square-mile, multi-continental empire by being a total moron.
But that’s what this Napoleon is — a fool. Viewers spend most of the two and a half hours (Scott says his Apple TV+ cut will be a merciless four) laughing mockingly at the guy who commissioned the Napoleonic Code. Our ever-present thought bubble: What the hell is Joaquin doing?
Typical Phoenix gives us his same creepy, whack-job performance from “Joker,” only now Arthur Fleck is accompanied by a pointy hat, massive scenery, impressive battles and a supremely skilled co-star in Vanessa Kirby.
