By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.25
Director: Alan Taylor
Starring: Ian Holm | Iben Hjejle | Nigel Terry | Tim McInnerny | Tom Watson
Country: germany, italy, united_kingdom
Year: 2002
Running time: 108
IMDB: http://us.imdb.com/Details?0282768
Laura says: “In Paris, Napoleon mostly waits for the unveiling of the imposter in order to make his move. The film rouses itself when Napoleon turns around Pumpkin’s (Iben Hjeile, HIGH FIDELITY) fruit business with military strategy, but little else really
happens. When the imposter dies, Napoleon can’t convince anyone of his identity, which never rings true (as does his adjutants failure to expose his double before his death). The one man who had guessed it, Dr. Lambert (Tim McInnerny, NOTTING HILL),
suppresses the information in a jealous pique. Pairing Napoleon with a strong businesswoman was a good idea, but there’s no passion in the relationship. A young boy who lives with Pumpkin, Gerard (Tom Watson), serves no narrative purpose.” 3 cats
For Laura’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/theemperorsnewclothes.htm”
Robin says: “Ian Holm is a capable, sometimes brilliant actor who effectively plays the two very different men. As Napoleon, he has the regal, militaristic bearing of a conqueror, but realizes that he is helpless to regain his former power without the confession of his now dead impersonator. In one potent scene he is shown, by a doctor (Tim McInnerny) who also loves Pumpkin, just what faces him if he persists in demanding that he is Bonaparte. (The doctor delivers him to an insane asylum where all of the inmates have a Napoleon fixation. The former monarch and conqueror gets the point.)
“Iben Hjejle puts a modern spin on Pumpkin, a resourceful woman who, because of Napoleon’s many years of conquering, has had to cope without her soldier husband’s presence. The Scandinavian actress plays a strong-minded, kind-hearted and loving woman who admires and respects Eugene. Even though she refutes his claims to be emperor of France, she does tell Eugene ‘you’re my Napoleon.’ Hjejle is effective opposite Holm. The rest of the supporting cast is left mainly in the background and are there for Napoleon and Eugene to play off of.” 3 1/2 cats
For Robin’s complete review: “http://www.reelingreviews.com/theemperorsnewclothes.htm”