A biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing the Corsican’s career from his schooldays (where a snowball fight is staged like a military campaign) to his flight from Corsica, through the French Revolution (where a real storm is intercut with a political storm) and the Terror, culminating in his triumphant invasion of Italy in 1797. Originally intended to be the first of six films, director Abel Gance realized the full project would be nearly impossible, and never raised the money to complete the other five. The film’s legendary reputation is due to the astonishing range of techniques that Gance uses to tell his story, culminating in the final twenty-minute triptych sequence, which alternates widescreen panoramas with complex multiple- image montages projected simultaneously on three screens.
Napoléon (1927), directed by Abel Gance, is an epic silent historical drama that tells the life story of the French Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte from his early years as a young Corsican officer to his rise to power and his eventual fall. The film focuses on key events in Napoléon’s life, such as his early military campaigns, his role in the French Revolution, and his coronation as emperor. With its innovative cinematic techniques, Napoléon presents the grandeur of the era and the complexity of Bonaparte’s character, exploring themes of ambition, power, and fate.
The film begins with Napoléon’s youth in Corsica and his education at military school in France. From there, it transitions to his military triumphs, particularly during the Italian campaign, showcasing his brilliance as a strategist. The film continues through his rise to power, emphasizing his role in the revolution and his eventual ascension to emperor. Gance’s depiction of Napoléon culminates in a remarkable and visually striking coronation scene, and the film ends with the emperor’s exile to Elba.
One of the most significant aspects of Napoléon is its innovative use of cinematographic techniques. Gance experimented with multiple cameras, split screens, and rapid editing to convey the epic scale of the story and to enhance the emotional impact of the film.
Analysis
Napoléon is often regarded as one of the most ambitious and visually innovative films in the history of cinema. It was groundbreaking for its use of multiple cameras and revolutionary editing techniques, which were ahead of their time. Gance’s experimental approach allowed him to capture both the grandeur of Napoléon’s campaigns and the emotional depth of his character in a way that had never been seen before.
The film explores the complexities of Napoléon’s personality, focusing on his intellect, ambition, and ruthless drive for power. It presents him as a man driven by a deep sense of destiny, yet plagued by the psychological costs of his ambition. Gance does not shy away from depicting the contradictions within Napoléon’s character, showing both his genius and his flaws.
The visual style of Napoléon is equally crucial to its impact. Gance uses innovative camera techniques to convey motion, emotion, and grandeur. One of the most memorable aspects of the film is the dramatic use of the polyvision format in the final scenes, where three screens are used simultaneously to show different perspectives of the battle, adding to the sense of scale and tension. This experimental approach set the stage for the development of modern cinematic techniques.
Although Napoléon is a biographical epic, it is more than just a historical account of the French leader’s life. It is also a meditation on the nature of power, ambition, and the cost of greatness. Gance presents Napoléon as a man whose rise to power was fueled by his personal vision of glory, but whose downfall was ultimately caused by the very ambition that drove him.
Themes
- Ambition and Power: One of the central themes of Napoléon is the protagonist’s unrelenting ambition and desire for power. The film portrays Napoléon’s rise as a consequence of his strategic genius, but also emphasizes the personal costs of his drive for greatness. As Napoléon climbs the ranks, his ambition blinds him to the consequences of his actions, leading to his eventual downfall.
- Fate and Destiny: The film explores the theme of fate, depicting Napoléon as a man driven by a sense of destiny. He believes that he is meant to lead France to greatness, but the film suggests that this belief in his destiny is both his greatest strength and his ultimate flaw. The cyclical nature of his rise and fall hints at the inevitability of his fate.
- Revolution and Change: Napoléon places the rise of its titular character within the larger context of the French Revolution. The film shows how Napoléon’s ascent is intertwined with the political upheavals of the time, as he capitalizes on the chaos to establish himself as a leader. The themes of revolution and societal change are central to the film’s narrative.
- Psychological Cost of Greatness: While Napoléon’s brilliance as a strategist and leader is emphasized, the film also touches on the emotional and psychological toll of his ambition. The cost of pursuing power is shown in the personal sacrifices Napoléon makes, including his relationships and mental health.
- Legacy: The film hints at the idea that Napoléon’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. His rise and fall serve as a commentary on the fleeting nature of power and the difficulty of leaving a lasting mark on history. The film portrays Napoléon as a man who, despite his brilliance, was ultimately undone by the forces that propelled him to greatness.
- Sacrifice and Glory: Throughout the film, Napoléon is shown making sacrifices in his personal life for the sake of glory and conquest. His love life, his health, and his well-being are all secondary to his ambition. The film reflects on the idea that true greatness often comes with a cost.
- The Individual vs. The State: Napoléon’s relationship with France and its people is explored throughout the film. Gance presents Napoléon as both an individual and a symbol of the state. His rise to power can be seen as a reflection of the French nation’s desire for stability and greatness, but also as a personal journey toward self-actualization.
- Heroism and Tragedy: Napoléon portrays its protagonist as both a hero and a tragic figure. His military brilliance and achievements are shown alongside his eventual downfall, emphasizing the tragic nature of his story. The film presents a complex view of heroism, showing that even great leaders are not immune to failure.
- The Role of War: War plays a significant role in the film, as Napoléon’s military campaigns are integral to his rise to power. The film examines the consequences of war, not only on the battlefield but also on the individuals involved. Napoléon’s wars are shown as both necessary for his success and destructive to his personal life.
- Innovation and Cinema as Art: On a meta-level, the film explores the relationship between cinema and art. Gance’s groundbreaking use of cinematography and visual techniques elevates the film beyond a traditional historical epic, making it a cinematic masterpiece. The film demonstrates the potential of film as an art form capable of conveying complex emotional and historical themes.
10 Reasons to Watch Napoléon (1927)
- Groundbreaking Cinematography: Gance’s innovative use of camera techniques, including multiple cameras and rapid editing, set the stage for modern cinematic techniques. The film is a technical marvel for its time.
- Epic Scope: The film presents Napoléon’s life on a grand scale, with sweeping battle scenes and larger-than-life depictions of his rise and fall.
- Historical Significance: As one of the earliest epics in cinema, Napoléon is a must-see for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike. It provides a unique look at the life of one of history’s most famous figures.
- Powerful Performances: The performances of the cast, particularly that of Albert Dieudonné as Napoléon, add depth to the historical narrative and bring the character to life in a compelling way.
- Emotional Resonance: Despite being a silent film, Napoléon is emotionally engaging, with Gance using visual storytelling to convey the internal struggles of its protagonist.
- A Cinematic Masterpiece: Napoléon is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its combination of technical innovation, historical storytelling, and emotional depth makes it an enduring classic.
- Dramatic Visual Effects: The polyvision technique used in the final scenes of the film is one of cinema’s first multi-screen experiences, creating a visually stunning spectacle.
- Deep Psychological Portrait: The film offers a fascinating psychological portrait of Napoléon, exploring the complexity of his character and his internal conflict.
- Cultural Impact: The film’s influence on cinema, particularly in terms of its visual techniques and its portrayal of historical events, is still felt today.
- Timeless Themes: The exploration of ambition, power, destiny, and sacrifice resonates just as much today as it did when the film was first released.
What You Will Feel After Watching Napoléon (1927)
Watching Napoléon will likely leave you with a sense of awe at the scale of the film and the ambition of its director. The grand battle sequences, innovative cinematography, and complex character study of Napoléon will stay with you long after the credits roll. You’ll also likely feel a deep sense of respect for the historical events portrayed and the technical achievements that have made this film a classic. The tragic and heroic aspects of Napoléon’s character will evoke both admiration and sympathy, leaving you contemplating the cost of greatness.