Napoleon doesn't pick a lane. It covers vast history, examines a complex relationship, and deconstructs a mythologized figure. Each narrative is compelling and two would work as contrasting partners, but three together feels cramped. Emotions charge by so the next can squeeze in, leaving viewers with minimal time to relate to any specific idea. Thus, the storylines compete rather than synergize, resulting in something less than the sum of its parts. Meanwhile, the acting provides layers, body language, range, chemistry, outbursts, and knowing awkwardness, yet struggles to solidify the erratic script. Overall, Napoleon introduces too much and develops too little.
Napoleon manages massive scale but muddled tone. The editing offers clear action, feeble momentum, and rushed pacing. Its imagery uses lighting, depth, angles, framing, texture, and markedly drab colors. The cast is trivial besides Phoenix and Kirby. Its music mixes classical, regional, juxtaposing, marching, and unconventional. The sound adds voiceovers, split cuts, muffling, smash cuts, and detailed war. Its effects supplement CGI with prosthetics, pyrotechnics, makeup, and gore. The production design is vast, immersive, intricate, tangible, era-specific, and globe-trotting. Napoleon provides scope, craft, and substance but lacks the cohesive heart to completely connect.
Writing: 6/10
Direction: 7/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 10/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 7.8/10
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