loading...
The Emperor's New Clothes
2001
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES recasts history in 19th Century France. Based on the novel by Simon Leys, The Death of Napoleon, the film supposes that Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile in St. Helena and returned to Paris in 1821, whereas the history books say he died that year. With imaginative photography, beautiful costumes, .. Read more
| Starring | Ian Holm, Iben Hjejle, Tim McInnerny, Tom Watson |
|---|---|
| Director | Alan Taylor |
| Genres | Drama |
loading...
The Emperor's New Clothes
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES recasts history in 19th Century France. Based on the novel by Simon Leys, The Death of Napoleon, the film supposes that Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile in St. Helena and returned to Paris in 1821, whereas the history books say he died that year. With imaginative photography, beautiful costumes, an upbeat orchestral score, and solid acting, the film is a fanciful, witty, comedic delight. Starting out in St. Helena, Napoleon (Ian Holm) enjoys a pampered existence, even as a prisoner, and is treated with great respect by those who serve him. Therefore, when he devises a scheme to trade places with a servant on a ship so that he may escape, the deckhand he chooses (also Holm) thinks he's the luckiest man alive, waited on hand and foot in St. Helena. Napoleon returns to Paris under the guise of this ship servant. When he arrives, he expects to be recognised, received with joy by his people, and made emperor once again. Instead, he is ignored. Days later, the deckhand in St. Helena dies, literally erasing Napoleon's existence. From there, Napoleon must adjust to daily life in the free world as nothing more than a simple Everyman. Fortunately, he finds a loving wife, Pumpkin (Iben Hjejle), to help him with the transition.
| Starring | Ian Holm, Iben Hjejle, Tim McInnerny, Tom Watson, Nigel Terry |
|---|---|
| Director | Alan Taylor |
| Studio | 4DVD |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 42 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 02 Aug 2004 Production year: 2001 |
| Format | DVD |
-
Critics' reviews (2)
View all -
Adapted from Simon Leys's novel The Death of Napoleon, Alan Taylor's period comedy recalls the offbeat charm of his debut study of outsiders in extremis, Palookaville. But while it's undoubtedly literate and nimbly executed, it lacks the brio to match its conceit. Ian Holm revels in the dual role of the deposed emperor striving to regain his throne and the lookalike he's left in St Helena to disguise his flight. There are plenty of smiles as he treks across Europe, but once he reaches Paris and becomes enamoured of feisty melon-seller Iben Hjejle, the slick revisionism descends into historical cornball.
-
In the beginning... A father uses a Kinetoscope to tell his son a fabulous story about the fate of Napoleon. Flashback... read more on Time Out
-
Most helpful member's review
View all -
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful
Charming
An enjoyable period piece with an excellent cast that presents an alternative history of Napoleon's latter days. I liked the idea of a figure of supreme authority - genius even - being placed in an everyday situation and the film appreciates not only the humour but the drama of such a situation really well. The political intrigue and mystery surrounding plots to resurrect the Republic of France and the vive l'empreur attitude are dealt with in a historically accurate but light-hearted and compassionate way so you appreciate the awe that surrounded the figure of Napoleon but at the same time the dread that his return might bring. The performance of Holm in the lead role brings an amazing charm to the plight of the central character which i found brilliant - I think he's an amazing actor! This is well worth watching for anyone with a vague interest in the period or anyone with an hour and an half to spare for a genuinely heart warming feel good film with a sense of humour about a famous historical character.
-
More like this
View allShowing 1 to 4 of 20
Buy from the LOVEFiLM shop
-
-
-
The Emperor's New Clothes
THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES recasts history in 19th Century France. Based on the novel by Simon Leys, The Death of Napoleon, the film supposes that Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile in St. Helena and returned to Paris in 1821, whereas the history books say he died that year. With imaginative ...
-