When the days of power are over for history's conquerors, death is usually the conclusion. That's not what happens in this case. Defeated, but far from broken, an exiled Napoleon sticks to the belief that he was the greatest world leader ever and continues to defend his ideals. As the walls close in on him, he faces an international trial for crimes against humanity, and must face his fate with his own inner trial in his conscience.
More a historical drama of one world leader's desperation to leave his mark on history, it is a good follow- up to the recent epic "Waterloo" which had come out the year before, totally unrelated to this, yet covering Napoleon's life just prior to this. However, that was more epic and action than this, which is far more literary and retrospective. Michael Gaigh is a great choice as Napoleon, ruthless yet philosophical, power-hungry yet human. He is supported by the excellent Ralph Richardson as the governor of St. Helena's where Napoleon is held, John Gielgud as a British Lord who makes Napoleon a deal. Billie Whitelaw as impoverished aristocrat also on the island and Moses Gunn as a ruthless Haitian general.
Even though this is more chit-chat than plot, there's enough intrigue to thrill history buffs and make some interesting comments on the lust for power and the carnivorous and sexual thrills that power can create. I was curious to see Whitelaw just several years before she became the most evil Nanny in film history, and was surprised to find that she was quite lovely even when the character is plotting. The film has exquisite art direction and manages to maintain interest even when nothing much is happening. Perhaps that's the power of history, that much of the plotting and scheming went on in such obtuse settings.
More a historical drama of one world leader's desperation to leave his mark on history, it is a good follow- up to the recent epic "Waterloo" which had come out the year before, totally unrelated to this, yet covering Napoleon's life just prior to this. However, that was more epic and action than this, which is far more literary and retrospective. Michael Gaigh is a great choice as Napoleon, ruthless yet philosophical, power-hungry yet human. He is supported by the excellent Ralph Richardson as the governor of St. Helena's where Napoleon is held, John Gielgud as a British Lord who makes Napoleon a deal. Billie Whitelaw as impoverished aristocrat also on the island and Moses Gunn as a ruthless Haitian general.
Even though this is more chit-chat than plot, there's enough intrigue to thrill history buffs and make some interesting comments on the lust for power and the carnivorous and sexual thrills that power can create. I was curious to see Whitelaw just several years before she became the most evil Nanny in film history, and was surprised to find that she was quite lovely even when the character is plotting. The film has exquisite art direction and manages to maintain interest even when nothing much is happening. Perhaps that's the power of history, that much of the plotting and scheming went on in such obtuse settings.