Jo Bell

A long, long film which could have done much more than it does, in a much shorter time. It feels as if Ridley Scott, unable to choose between many possible directions for the film, decided to put them all in for 30 seconds each. The relationship with Alexander I of Russia - the ideas of France or the Republic, and whether Napoleon believed in them - the building tension with Wellington - the potential jeopardy and excitement of the escape from Elba - the frustration and disappointment if St Helena - all of these get a scant few minutes. Even Josephine, the central focus for his life, is only a cipher - beautifully performed but absolutely not given a full character, and the second empress gets about fifteen seconds on screen. SO many missed opportunities - and sadly Phoenix has little to work with, in a script which gives Napoleon little of interest to say except 'France' and 'Josephine'. The battle scenes are graphic and memorable but Napoleon's motives and character are glossed over. Curiously dull.