Wednesday, December 08, 2004

Watched Monsieur N this morning.

The main reason for watching it? Well, nothing but great reverence for that great short & tall man, Napoleon Bonaparte, the emperor that the French had, closest to Alexander ... but that is another movie ...

The film was all about one question: Is it really Napoleon's body, that was buried in St. Helena, where he was last held captive? The film follows a British officer as he pursues the mystery of who is in Napoleon's coffin. Beyond the film, I must say that the production design, and the absolutely convincing costumes, was really realistic . The picture is beautifully shot, with many scenes having the visual power of great paintings.

I guess the film succeeded in one level, that it overcomes the awe it demonstrates for its principal character and succeeds in creating a mystery where perhaps there is none. It is always good to read, or watch, a historical figure, above and beyond their political and military achievements, cos that is what history is about ... but sometimes we are left to wonder whether to buy the truth or not ...

Anyway ... I love a good historical epic, so I guess this is a woethwhile recommendation to all. Go watch it!!!

♥ 8:56 pm