Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mr grits (A) on September 14, 2005 at 21:18:57

What if Napolean wasn't really poisoned while on St. Helena? To stretch your imagination and explore the idea be sure to see Monsieur N. for just such an exercise. To me, the movie had an unfortunate made-for-TV quality with it's look, camera work, and Agatha Christie quality. But, this is a must see for history buffs and Phillipe Torreton's performance as Napolean anchors the film while Richard E. Grant gives his usual outstanding "prig" performance as Napolean's "jailer". The cast of Napolean's loyal entourage performs well and illustrates the various motives for hastening the Emporer's death.

The script cleverly sets up several different plot possibilities without giving it away. In the end, we can only wonder if that death mask really belongs to Napolean and does he really rest in The Invalides.