Napoleon in Movies 

Before delving into my thoughts on various movies about Napoleon, I believe it's essential to touch upon the prevalent perception of Napoleon Bonaparte. The adage, 'history is always written by the victors,' finds a striking embodiment in the case of Napoleon. The Napoleonic Wars, a conflict involving numerous nations spanning two decades, primarily unfolded as a grand struggle between England and France. Despite the involvement of multiple nations, the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo saw France under Napoleon's leadership facing defeat at the hands of England. Consequently, the historical narrative largely propagated by the English perspective has been perpetuated through generations, resulting in a skewed version of events. Napoleon stands as one among many historical figures who have been misrepresented in such a manner, yet he remains a prominent example of this flawed historicity.

Napoleon's Detractors

The much-maligned figure of Napoleon Bonaparte has suffered countless assaults over the past two centuries from disinterested historians who, when mentioning his name, fall back on the standard description of the man as a diminutive ogre who was bent on the destruction of Europe. Such a myopic view of Napoleon was of course promulgated by his main enemies during and after the Napoleonic Wars - The English. So, it isn't surprising that most Americans, Englishmen, Canadians, Australians, and anyone else who speaks English consider this summation of Bonaparte to be true. A much more balanced view of the man lies within the histories written in other languages, most notably French. To be sure, over the years Napoleon has also basked in the adulation of hero worshipers who are just as polarized. But in general it is negative ideas that lurk in most people's minds when Napoleon is mentioned. I blame this on sloppy historians and writers who have perpetuated fallacies with their intellectual laziness. Oh…how ! How silliness abounds!

Some Famous Napoleon Movies

OK, now that my scathing diatribe against all detractors of Napoleon is complete, I'll move on to my list of the best movies about Napoleon.

1. Waterloo (1970) - This gem of a movie features Rod Steiger in the role of Napoleon and Christopher Plummer as Wellington. The film's two hour treatment of the Battle of Waterloo is generally good, though I would have liked it more had the introductory battles of Qautre Bras and Ligny been included. The battle scenes are pretty spectacular considering the fact that none of it is computer generated, all of those uniforms marching around are really there! I think that Steiger's part as Napoleon is well done if one recognizes that he was portraying the man on that day of battle, a day which most scholars believe he was not his usual self. If one takes Steiger's role as an accurate portrayal of Napoleon in general I think that would be a disservice to the emperor and the actor. In addition, according to what I know of the Duke of Wellington, Plummer's portrayal of the man is dead on.

2. The Emperor's New Clothes (2001) - I'd have to agree with an Amazon review about this film - 'Alternative history and whimsical imagination make comfortable bedfellows'. It is a highly original Bonaparte movie with good sets and good acting. This was Ian Holm's second time being cast in the role of Bonaparte and his looks helped him pull it off. I don't know if the irascible and impatient elements that Holm displays in his character are due to his interpretation of Napoleon or because that is what the director wanted him to portray. But, it isn't really a fair picture of the man and it does get a little annoying at times because it helps to perpetuate the inaccurate perception that Napoleon was simply a petulant, ranting, and importunate megalomaniac.

3. Napoleon TV series (2002) - This was a very good portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte. Christian Clavier has obviously studied Napoleon thoroughly; his playing of the man doesn't suffer at all from the typical banality but is instead a highly mature rendering of his subject. The film is historically accurate and gives the viewer a more complete picture of the man than most films do. We see, not only his genius as a military commander, but also his abilities as a legislator and emperor, as a lover of the arts and culture, and as a father and husband. As a historian, I wish some more emphasis was put on other parts of the Napoleonic story, but I understand that running time limits the director and writer. It has an all star supporting cast to boot - Isabella Rossellini, John Malkovich, and Gerard Depardieu.

4. Napoleon (1927 & 1955) - Of course, I can't leave out these two classic movies of the same title. For the longest time they were considered THE CLASSIC Napoleon films. The earlier is a silent film that was redone by Coppola in the early 80's with the addition of a film score. However, it has been undergoing legal battles for years and is devilishly difficult to find, so I haven't seen it yet. I include it because of the universal acclaim that it has received over the years. The more recent I have seen and still enjoy watching at times, but I must admit that the cinematics of modern movies are often more alluring and conspire to push this one toward the back of my DVD shelf. However, the acting is great, it is an accurate account of the main events of the Napoleonic story, and it definitely deserves to be in the library of any true fan of Napoleon.

5. Monsieur N. (2003) - Well, I've saved the best for last. Of all the feature films and bit parts that have portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte none compares to Philippe Torreton's brilliant and artful rendering of the man. In one breath he shows us a stern, calculating, and shrewd Bonaparte, while in the very next he exposes the compassionate, kind, and forgiving nature of the man. He mixes and intermingles these opposing traits so well that the viewer can begin to see Napoleon as the human that he was rather than as some distant iconic figure. Torreton also displays Napoleon's "penetrating presence" so very perfectly. If you want a true picture of the man, then you must watch this film; Torrenton is Napoleon in the flesh. The viewer should be mindful that the characters and setting are all factual, but the plot is fictitious. However, it is a fascinating story, showcasing a much speculated upon theory about Napoleon's possible escape from exile and disappearance in the US. I've never bought that theory because I don't think the evidence supports it, but as Napoleon points out in the film - people WANT to believe just about anything...

Great men are never without flaws, but neither are they without magnificent traits that caused them to rise to such heights.

The Best Actors Who Played Napoleon Bonaparte

Something about Napoléon Bonaparte and his rise to power seems to inspire the imagination. The French military leader and eventual Emperor has found his way into a number of movies and shows that aren't about the French Revolution. The actors who played Napoleon Bonaparte have portrayed him in both dramas and comedies. Several Napoleon actors were award winners or played the once-Emperor in award-winning historical films. Some actors who played the Bonaparte even appeared in multiple projects.

Who will you find on this list of all Napoleon actors? Marlon Brando portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte in the 1954 film, Désirée. The actor wore a fake nose in the movie. Ian Holm played Napoleon in several projects including The Emperor's New Clothes (2001), Time Bandits (1981), and Napoleon and Love (1974).

Verne Troyer played Napoleon Bonaparte in four episodes of the 2000 series, Jack of All Trades, playing off the myth that the emperor was of diminutive stature. Other famous actors who played Napoleon include Dennis Hopper and Rod Steiger.

Rod Steiger played Emperor Napoleon I of France in the 1970 film, Waterloo. The movie went on to win two BAFTA Awards.

Vladislav Strzhelchik played Napoleon in the 1966 film, War and Peace.

Christian Clavier played Napoleon I in the 2002 miniseries, Napoléon. The cast also included Isabella Rossellini, Gérard Depardieu, and John Malkovich.

In the 1937 film, Conquest, Charles Boyer played Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte opposite Greta Garbo as Countess Marie Walewska. He was even nominated for an Oscar for his performance.