Rating: 
Summary: a lunatic greets lunatics
Review: 'The Emperor's New Clothes (2001); "As Phony As They Come' Cast: Ian Holm: Napoleon
Iben Hjejle: his girl Napoleon biographies in film have been countless, from Abel Gance's Napoleon (1927) to Marlon Brandon's Desiree (1953), and many others'. Every short man, it seems, has played the great emperor, either as a fool, a hero, a rascal, but never as a good guy. This is what Ian Holm attempts in The Emperor's New Clothes, an English movie that would never have had a chance, even if it had been half way decent, for this one isn't even that. Ian Holm is a fine actor, but the role he plays is thankless. When at St. Helena's, and nearing his death in 1821, a plot brews to bring the fallen emperor back one more time. One of his valets, who has followed him to Egypt (and other places) and who resembles him closely, offers to change identities with him. Disguised, he would stay behind at St. Helena's fooling the British guard that he is the ex-emperor, while the emperor himself, also disguised as deck help aboard a ship, would return to Paris, and start a movement. All goes well (enough), and the diminutive Napoleon arrives in Paris, only to find that his connection has just died. His widow and dead man's doctor welcome him, taking him for an inspired person of sorts'if not a harmless lunatic'and the woman strangely likes him, though he is twice her age (at least). All goes well up to a point. Napoleon settles in, and the doctor moves to another town, since the woman, who seems to have been his intended, has changed her mind. But then Napoleon starts claiming he is Napoleon. The domestic stuff does not satisfy his grand desires, and the woman's love is worthless, compared to great victories. The trouble is, nobody believes him, especially the woman, who now thinks he is a REAL lunatic. When the doctor, sent for help, returns, he takes Napoleon to a tour that he insists will 'cure' him. He takes him'guess where'to a lunatic asylum, where they witness a plethora of Napoleons'all with triangular hat and hand stuck inside the vest'for this figure is the most imitated by illusioned people in human history (since then). Well, that sight surely cures the emperor, who is not as demented as those in the mental hospital. He returns to the girl, preferring her arms to arms (couldn't help the pun). To an aging man, victory in bed may be superior to that in the battlefield. That, in essence, is this lamentable story. And we are asked to sit through nearly two hours to see it. Well, I did, anyway, looking for surprises that might have been there. What if he really had sparked the girl to follow him to death and to glory? What if the ex-emperor had become a great chemist? What if he had cured the entire lunatic horde that imitated him? What if '. You get the point. The action was so slow (for a modern movie), it was stultifying. Ian Holm is seen bent with age and despair at having to work with such a bad script. The only bright spot in all this was Iben Hjejle, her luminous sensuality (though you see her always clothed, even in bed), and her performance. That actress may be headed for better things'having made something out of nothing. Why would she fall in love with this wasted shell of a man? Well, never mind, for if such a question were answered, then we could possibly have a movie worth the time to watch. Don't blame Ian Holm too much either. Bent as he was to play the bent emperor, he must have gotten a kick for having to play the playmate of a charming lady. Well, in any case, this movie could be a good tonic to geriatrics, better than geritol, or other tonics. By they way, the other guy at St. Helena's'also played by Ian Holm, died of overeating, amid the jeers of the unlucky guards who stayed behind to guard the phony emperor. Here one has to choose which ending is worse. Give us a break!
Rating:
Summary: a lunatic greets lunatics
Review: 'The Emperor's New Clothes (2001); "As Phony As They Come' Cast: Ian Holm: Napoleon
Iben Hjejle: his girl Napoleon biographies in film have been countless, from Abel Gance's Napoleon (1927) to Marlon Brandon's Desiree (1953), and many others'. Every short man, it seems, has played the great emperor, either as a fool, a hero, a rascal, but never as a good guy. This is what Ian Holm attempts in The Emperor's New Clothes, an English movie that would never have had a chance, even if it had been half way decent, for this one isn't even that. Ian Holm is a fine actor, but the role he plays is thankless. When at St. Helena's, and nearing his death in 1821, a plot brews to bring the fallen emperor back one more time. One of his valets, who has followed him to Egypt (and other places) and who resembles him closely, offers to change identities with him. Disguised, he would stay behind at St. Helena's fooling the British guard that he is the ex-emperor, while the emperor himself, also disguised as deck help aboard a ship, would return to Paris, and start a movement. All goes well (enough), and the diminutive Napoleon arrives in Paris, only to find that his connection has just died. His widow and dead man's doctor welcome him, taking him for an inspired person of sorts'if not a harmless lunatic'and the woman strangely likes him, though he is twice her age (at least). All goes well up to a point. Napoleon settles in, and the doctor moves to another town, since the woman, who seems to have been his intended, has changed her mind. But then Napoleon starts claiming he is Napoleon. The domestic stuff does not satisfy his grand desires, and the woman's love is worthless, compared to great victories. The trouble is, nobody believes him, especially the woman, who now thinks he is a REAL lunatic. When the doctor, sent for help, returns, he takes Napoleon to a tour that he insists will 'cure' him. He takes him'guess where'to a lunatic asylum, where they witness a plethora of Napoleons'all with triangular hat and hand stuck inside the vest'for this figure is the most imitated by illusioned people in human history (since then). Well, that sight surely cures the emperor, who is not as demented as those in the mental hospital. He returns to the girl, preferring her arms to arms (couldn't help the pun). To an aging man, victory in bed may be superior to that in the battlefield. That, in essence, is this lamentable story. And we are asked to sit through nearly two hours to see it. Well, I did, anyway, looking for surprises that might have been there. What if he really had sparked the girl to follow him to death and to glory? What if the ex-emperor had become a great chemist? What if he had cured the entire lunatic horde that imitated him? What if '. You get the point. The action was so slow (for a modern movie), it was stultifying. Ian Holm is seen bent with age and despair at having to work with such a bad script. The only bright spot in all this was Iben Hjejle, her luminous sensuality (though you see her always clothed, even in bed), and her performance. That actress may be headed for better things'having made something out of nothing. Why would she fall in love with this wasted shell of a man? Well, never mind, for if such a question were answered, then we could possibly have a movie worth the time to watch. Don't blame Ian Holm too much either. Bent as he was to play the bent emperor, he must have gotten a kick for having to play the playmate of a charming lady. Well, in any case, this movie could be a good tonic to geriatrics, better than geritol, or other tonics. By they way, the other guy at St. Helena's'also played by Ian Holm, died of overeating, amid the jeers of the unlucky guards who stayed behind to guard the phony emperor. Here one has to choose which ending is worse. Give us a break!
Rating: 
Summary: A very amusing film
Review: Hard to classify this one; romantic comedy? Farce? Maybe. Ian Holm plays a passably good Napoleon, who, tire of rusticating on St. Helena and wanting to regain his throne, concocts a scheme to dupe his British captors. Partway through the film, this plan is succeeding admirably, even when the plan is marred by a series of accidents. It's almost impossible to tell where "Emperor" is heading, and I don't want to spoil the surprises, so you will just have to take my word that this is a fine, fun, film and Ian Holm, as always, is a joy on screen. Music is by Rachel Portman ("Chocolat") and the direction is tight and intelligent by Alan Taylor. A lot of fun.
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating take on the life of Napoleon
Review: I decided to watch this film only because it starred one of my favorite actors, Ian Holm, who has lended his amazing talents to such films as TIME BANDITS, LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, LOTR: RETURN OF THE KING, JESUS OF NAZARETH, and KAFKA. For those who never fail to be overwhelmed by the amazing acting skills of this man, you won't be disappointed. He performs the role of Napoleon just as well as he has performed Napoleon previously, or Bilbo Baggins, or a Pharisee, or an evil doctor (as he did in the aforementioned films, respectively). If you're not familiar with the story of Napoleon (I'm not all that familiar with it myself), you'll still be throughly entertained if you're the kind of person who likes a well-developed plot, well-developed and believable characters, and fantastic acting. I'm not an astute enough student of history to be able to say exactly what type of man (at least, in terms of virtue) Napoleon was. I've heard that he was a tragic fallen leader of Europe from some sources. And from others I've heard that he was almost on the same plane as Hitler. But this film - showing his life and mind through the brilliant dramatic acting of Ian Holm - has definitely made me want to study more about what manner of man he really was.
Rating:
Summary: Charming "What If?" fantasy and love story for grown-ups.
Review: I found this a delightful movie and am sorry it had such a limited theatrical release (it only played one week in Austin and I was not able to see it at that time). Thanks be for the DVD, which is crystal clear and in widescreen, although there are no extras. I think your reaction to it might depend on your familiarity with (or sympathy to) Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French. Those more knowledgeable about his life and career will find more nuances to Ian Holm's characterization and more depth in the story. Others may find this film too slow or mystifying. For my part, and as an admitted sympathetic Bonapartist -- Napoleon was a great man in every sense of the word, with great failings as well as great skills and sometimes even virtues -- this film grows on me with every viewing and I keep finding more little gems of detail to treasure.
It's not the ha-ha comedy I initially expected, and perhaps the script could have used a few more humourous scenes, given the potential in the subject matter, but it would not be fair to criticize the movie for not being something it did not set out to be. Napoleon's chance visit to the battlefield of Waterloo, now catering to tourists, is comical in a typically low-key way. The pacing may be too leisurely to some, but this says more about our Hollywood-shaped sensibilities than what director Alan Taylor had in mind. This is not a cookie-cutter, by-the-numbers movie. It's a gentle slice of whimsy and romance made for an audience that can appreciate a movie with no car crashes, machine guns, or bimbos.
The central theme is transformation: can a man remake himself utterly, and in so doing, gain a second chance at happiness? Napoleon the Emperor (a masterful performance by Holm, who is a passable lookalike to the genuine article) begins this movie a very different man than who we see at the end, when Napoleon the Greengrocer "surrenders" at last to an opponent that has bested him -- the kind and good woman who prefers the reality of Eugene Lenormand to the phantom of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is a difficult journey for Napoleon/Eugene to make, and we follow the Emperor's struggle to tame his old ambitions and talents, occasionally harnessing them for a good cause -- his mustering and "battle orders" to the assembled fruit peddlers is a masterful sequence, the old Napoleon of Marengo and Austerlitz, history's greatest soldier, rising one last time to lead his forces to a brilliant victory. But finally, when he is tricked by an adversary into entering a madhouse, he is confronted with the monstrous reality of what he was -- a madman, a creature fit only to be locked up, even as Napoleon himself was caged on an island prison. It is the moment of realization for Napoleon/Eugene, when he recognizes that the desire to be a Napoleon is itself an act of lunacy. Confronted by the enormity of who he once was but need no longer be, he is at last able to make the break and cross over into a new life. He has no throne, but he is now content to rule a smaller kingdom, one with a joy and richness such as he could have never before attained. A thoroughly satisfying ending. L'Empereur est mort; vive l'Empereur!
Rating:
Summary: Charming "What If?" fantasy and love story for grown-ups.
Review: I found this a delightful movie and am sorry it had such a limited theatrical release (it only played one week in Austin and I was not able to see it at that time). Thanks be for the DVD, which is crystal clear and in widescreen, although there are no extras. I think your reaction to it might depend on your familiarity with (or sympathy to) Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French. Those more knowledgeable about his life and career will find more nuances to Ian Holm's characterization and more depth in the story. Others may find this film too slow or mystifying. For my part, and as an admitted Bonapartist -- Napoleon was a great man in every sense of the word, with great failings as well as great skills and sometimes even virtues -- this film grows on me with every viewing and I keep finding more little gems of detail to treasure. It's not the ha-ha comedy I initially expected, and perhaps the script could have used a few more humourous scenes, given the potential in the subject matter, but it would not be fair to criticize the movie for not being something it did not set out to be. Napoleon's chance visit to the battlefield of Waterloo, now catering to tourists, is comical in a typically low-key way. The pacing may be too leisurely to some, but this says more about our Hollywood-shaped sensibilities than what director Alan Taylor had in mind. This is not a cookie-cutter, by-the-numbers movie. It's a gentle slice of whimsy and romance made for an audience that can appreciate a movie with no car crashes, machine guns, or bimbos. The central theme is transformation: can a man remake himself utterly, and in so doing, gain a second chance at happiness? Napoleon the Emperor (a masterful performance by Holm, who is a passable lookalike to the genuine article) begins this movie a very different man than who we see at the end, when Napoleon the Greengrocer "surrenders" at last to an opponent that has bested him -- the kind and good woman who prefers the reality of Eugene Lenormand to the phantom of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is a difficult journey for Napoleon/Eugene to make, and we follow the Emperor's struggle to tame his old ambitions and talents, occasionally harnessing them for a good cause -- his mustering and "battle orders" to the assembled fruit peddlers is a masterful sequence, the old Napoleon of Marengo and Austerlitz, history's greatest soldier, rising one last time to lead his forces to a brilliant victory. But finally, when he is tricked by an adversary into entering a madhouse, he is confronted with the monstrous reality of what he was -- a madman, a creature fit only to be locked up, even as Napoleon himself was caged on an island prison. It is the moment of realization for Napoleon/Eugene, when he recognizes that the desire to be a Napoleon is itself an act of lunacy. Confronted by the enormity of who he once was but need no longer be, he is at last able to make the break and cross over into a new life. He has no throne, but he is now content to rule a smaller kingdom, one with a joy and richness such as he could have never before attained. A thoroughly satisfying ending. L'Empereur est mort; vive l'Empereur!
Rating:
Summary: Slow but Good
Review: I thought this was a nicely done movie. The premise to the movie is interesting - what if Napolean didn't really die on St. Helena? What if he escaped and no one knew? What if no one would believe he was really Napolean? Ian Holm does a really nice job here portraying both the Emperor and the imposter that takes his place on the island. He has a way of really pulling you toward the character and making you empathize. The costumes and scenery were also very well done. I don't know where they filmed it, but it was beautiful! There is some drama, and some comedy (though not as much as I thought from the previews). The plot is very cohesive. The dialog is great. Now for the down part and why I only gave the movie 3 stars. The premise was interesting, the acting was fantastic - but the plot moved really slowly! I am a movie lover and yet there were still a few times when I found myself yawning. My poor husband didn't even make it through the movie before he went to bed. (admittedly he is more of a "blow-em-up" movie type) So if you are the action movie type of person...I wouldn't even try this one. But if you're willing to try out a slower paced, more thoughtful type movie by all means give it a try. I stiffled my yawns, hung in there till the end, and really enjoyed the movie. I would strongly recommend that you rent this movie first, before you buy. It's not going to be to everyone's taste.
Rating:
Summary: Slow but Good
Review: I thought this was a nicely done movie. The premise to the movie is interesting - what if Napolean didn't really die on St. Helena? What if he escaped and no one knew? What if no one would believe he was really Napolean? Ian Holm does a really nice job here portraying both the Emperor and the imposter that takes his place on the island. He has a way of really pulling you toward the character and making you empathize. The costumes and scenery were also very well done. I don't know where they filmed it, but it was beautiful! There is some drama, and some comedy (though not as much as I thought from the previews). The plot is very cohesive. The dialog is great. Now for the down part and why I only gave the movie 3 stars. The premise was interesting, the acting was fantastic - but the plot moved really slowly! I am a movie lover and yet there were still a few times when I found myself yawning. My poor husband didn't even make it through the movie before he went to bed. (admittedly he is more of a "blow-em-up" movie type) So if you are the action movie type of person...I wouldn't even try this one. But if you're willing to try out a slower paced, more thoughtful type movie by all means give it a try. I stiffled my yawns, hung in there till the end, and really enjoyed the movie. I would strongly recommend that you rent this movie first, before you buy. It's not going to be to everyone's taste.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet and funny... if not a bit slow
Review: It's hard to believe that a movie about Napoleon would feature a very thoughtful, character-driven plot, but this movie does and it does so quite beautifully. Having never read the book of the same name, I initially expected a grand tale of Napoleon's return to glory. Soon, however, I saw that would not be the case. Throughout, the movie teases with the prospect of Napoleon's return to glory, and, at times, the slower times anywaym, I found myself hoping for such a turn. The actual plot, however, was much sweeter with many very amusing moments. The story itself, along with the vast majority of the acting, is fabulous. However, like many "small stories," the film drags at times. Try not to let that spoil your enjoyment and you'll find yourself watching a sweet and funny movie.
Rating:
Summary: a lunatic greets lunatics
Review: �The Emperor�s New Clothes (2001); "As Phony As They Come� Cast: Ian Holm: Napoleon
Iben Hjejle: his girl Napoleon biographies in film have been countless, from Abel Gance�s Napoleon (1927) to Marlon Brandon�s Desiree (1953), and many others�. Every short man, it seems, has played the great emperor, either as a fool, a hero, a rascal, but never as a good guy. This is what Ian Holm attempts in The Emperor�s New Clothes, an English movie that would never have had a chance, even if it had been half way decent, for this one isn�t even that. Ian Holm is a fine actor, but the role he plays is thankless. When at St. Helena�s, and nearing his death in 1821, a plot brews to bring the fallen emperor back one more time. One of his valets, who has followed him to Egypt (and other places) and who resembles him closely, offers to change identities with him. Disguised, he would stay behind at St. Helena�s fooling the British guard that he is the ex-emperor, while the emperor himself, also disguised as deck help aboard a ship, would return to Paris, and start a movement. All goes well (enough), and the diminutive Napoleon arrives in Paris, only to find that his connection has just died. His widow and dead man�s doctor welcome him, taking him for an inspired person of sorts�if not a harmless lunatic�and the woman strangely likes him, though he is twice her age (at least). All goes well up to a point. Napoleon settles in, and the doctor moves to another town, since the woman, who seems to have been his intended, has changed her mind. But then Napoleon starts claiming he is Napoleon. The domestic stuff does not satisfy his grand desires, and the woman�s love is worthless, compared to great victories. The trouble is, nobody believes him, especially the woman, who now thinks he is a REAL lunatic. When the doctor, sent for help, returns, he takes Napoleon to a tour that he insists will �cure� him. He takes him�guess where�to a lunatic asylum, where they witness a plethora of Napoleons�all with triangular hat and hand stuck inside the vest�for this figure is the most imitated by illusioned people in human history (since then). Well, that sight surely cures the emperor, who is not as demented as those in the mental hospital. He returns to the girl, preferring her arms to arms (couldn�t help the pun). To an aging man, victory in bed may be superior to that in the battlefield. That, in essence, is this lamentable story. And we are asked to sit through nearly two hours to see it. Well, I did, anyway, looking for surprises that might have been there. What if he really had sparked the girl to follow him to death and to glory? What if the ex-emperor had become a great chemist? What if he had cured the entire lunatic horde that imitated him? What if �. You get the point. The action was so slow (for a modern movie), it was stultifying. Ian Holm is seen bent with age and despair at having to work with such a bad script. The only bright spot in all this was Iben Hjejle, her luminous sensuality (though you see her always clothed, even in bed), and her performance. That actress may be headed for better things�having made something out of nothing. Why would she fall in love with this wasted shell of a man? Well, never mind, for if such a question were answered, then we could possibly have a movie worth the time to watch. Don�t blame Ian Holm too much either. Bent as he was to play the bent emperor, he must have gotten a kick for having to play the playmate of a charming lady. Well, in any case, this movie could be a good tonic to geriatrics, better than geritol, or other tonics. By they way, the other guy at St. Helena�s�also played by Ian Holm, died of overeating, amid the jeers of the unlucky guards who stayed behind to guard the phony emperor. Here one has to choose which ending is worse. Give us a break!
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