The Northern Rivers Times
December 7, 2023
32 ENTERTAINMENT
Napoleon Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon,” a 2023 epic historical drama, intricately portrays the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, highlighting his ascent to power and tumultuous relationship with Empress Joséphine. The film, directed and produced by Scott and penned by David Scarpa, features Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon and Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine, capturing the essence of their intertwined lives against the backdrop of momentous historical events. The production of “Napoleon” commenced following Scott’s completion of “The Last Duel” in October 2020, with Joaquin Phoenix announced to portray the titular character. However, the project encountered delays and cast changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in Vanessa Kirby
replacing Jodie Comer as Joséphine. Filming kicked off in February 2022 in England and spanned several months, involving Scott’s trusted collaborators, including cinematographer Dariusz Wolski and editor Claire Simpson. Premiering at Salle Pleyel in Paris on November 14, 2023, “Napoleon” later debuted in the United
States and the United Kingdom on November 22, 2023, through Columbia Pictures and Apple Original Films, distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, before its streaming release on Apple TV+. The film received positive reviews from critics, lauding its compelling battle sequences and standout performances by Phoenix
and Kirby. However, Napoleon’s expeditions, notably to Egypt, criticisms were raised lead to conflicts and regarding historical inaccuracies, particularly eventual divorce due to Joséphine’s affair. drawing negative The narrative portrays feedback from French Napoleon’s rise to critics. power, from becoming The narrative unfolds Emperor of the French to amidst the backdrop of the French Revolution in strategic triumphs at the Battle of Austerlitz. 1793, tracing Napoleon The film delves into Bonaparte’s journey the complexities of from a young army Napoleon’s personal life, officer witnessing the including his divorce execution of Queen from Joséphine and Marie Antoinette subsequent marriage to to his commanding Marie Louise of Austria. role in managing It vividly depicts his the Siege of Toulon. military campaigns, such The film showcases as the invasion of Russia Napoleon’s strategic LIVE EVENTS STAGED AT 900 SEAT HISTORIC HERITAGE THEATRE WITH WONDERFUL ACOUSand the disastrous retreat TICS, AIR CONDITIONING, COMFORTABLE SEATING AND SUPERB LINE OF SIGHT prowess, including during the harsh winter, THE SOWETO AN his suppression of the THE NOW SHOWING... GOSPEL DAMI IM AFTERNOON TENORIultimately culminating in HEROBERTSON SOWETO AN royalist THE insurrection and BROTHERS CHOIR AT THE PROMS McCLYMONTS his exile to Elba. DAMI IM TENORI RTSON GOSPEL AFTERNOON his wooing of aristocratic McCLYMONTS • Journey to Bethlehem (PG) Napoleon’s audacious THERS CHOIR AT THE PROMS widow Joséphine. • Napoleon (MA 15+) return to power and The dynamic between • Trolls Band Together (G) the dramatic Battle of • Hunger Games: The Ballad Napoleon and Joséphine Waterloo mark the film’s of Songbirds & Snakes (M is a central focus, climax, revealing his characterized by their defeat and subsequent SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY passionate but childless exile to Saint Helena. 20TH JULY 2019 27TH JULY 2019 3RD AUGUST 2019 27TH OCTOBER 2019 31ST OCTOBER 2019 22ND NOVEMBER 2019 COMING SOON... their Tickets on Sale Now. Tickets on Sale Now. Tickets on Sale Now. Tickets on Sale Now. Tickets onmarriage. Sale Now.Despite Tickets on Sale Now. The narrative poignantly • Migration (CTC) • Wish (CTC) vibrant relationship, explores Napoleon’s
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MANPOWER AUSTRALIA Wednesday February 7, 2024 @ 7.30pm JENNY WYNTER: FULLY MADE UP Saturday April 13, 2024 @ 6.30pm A TASTE OF IRELAND Friday April 19, 2024 @ 7.30pm
99 Prince Street Grafton
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Ph: (02) 6642 1633
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RUNNING IN THE SHADOWS OF FLEETWOOD MAC Friday May 17, 2024 @ 8.00pm BILLY VS ELTON Sunday August 11, 2024 @ 4.00pm THE AUSTRALIAN INXS SHOW Visit our website for more details and previews at
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final days on the island, reflecting on his legacy and the staggering human cost of his wars. The film concludes with Napoleon’s passing in 1821, envisioning a poignant reunion with Joséphine in death, leaving an epilogue highlighting the immense toll of his wars, echoing the tragic consequences of his ambitious conquests. An epilogue notes that roughly 3 million people died in his wars. Directed by Ridley Scott Written by David Scarpa Produced by Ridley Scott Kevin J. Walsh Mark Huffam Joaquin Phoenix Starring Joaquin Phoenix Vanessa Kirby Tahar Rahim Running time 157 minutes[3]
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