rewfilmmaker

For those of you who can remember "Lawrence of Arabia" I would suggest that the two films take a similar approach to these historical figures. As for realism, in Napoleon there were the awe-inspiring epic battles with gruesome realism. (Think for a minute about the research put into the uniforms, the equipment and the battle tactics.) While the film may not have been accurate in minor historical details, in my opinion, like David Lean did in "Lawrence", Ridley Scott chose to focus on the psyche driving Napoleon's decisions and did a splendid job portraying the man behind the myth.. From the outside we see a confident, charismatic conqueror fulfilling his destiny; From the inside we see a doubt-ridden mortal smitten and manipulated by an opportunistic and beguiling aristocrat. The irreconcilable struggles inside of him take center stage and 3 million casualties after Waterloo, part of the world breathes a sigh of relief while another part feels defeated. It's not hard to film a battle whose outcome you already know. What is really difficult and takes talent to illustrate in understandable fashion, is the struggle within the mind of an enigmatic man.

Reviewer after reviewer criticizes this movie for its phony depictions of the war, clichés and unrealistic battle scenes. There is only one significant fact that is crucial to know when it comes to the accuracy of the depiction; Shermans were going to be your coffin in a face-off with a Tiger. If you want serious historical detail then consider watching a WWII documentary. I think the overall depictions were secondary and only serve as the backdrop for the director's real message which was the painful slow process of the relationship that was built between these guys in a tragic situation. I think Ayers did a masterful job at this. You think Brad Pitt is a second rate actor? Watch his facial expressions during the scenes in the room with Logan Lerman and the 2 women; Watch his nervous breakdowns. Watch him in the "Why are you such an asshole?" scene. Watch him as he jokes with his guys about Hitler and chocolate bars. Even with Wardaddy's personal weaknesses, by the middle of the movie you understand why these guys liked, admired and respected him, and I'll bet you do also. His timing and delivery, in my opinion, are better than Tom Hanks on this best day. Watch LaBoeuf's nervous leg, and a list of other endearing nuanced details; He plays a very convincing religious proselytizer. During the tank battle if you didn't feel like your life was threatened then you were probably on xanex. I'm not sure that there is another film that conveys this kind of claustrophobic camaraderie from a tank crew's viewpoint. If there is, I've never seen it.