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MONSIEUR N Send This Review to a Friend
A major film in the 2004 Rendez-vous with French Film series was "Monsieur N," which is now in commercial release. Seizing on historical speculation involving Napoleon, the film, directed by Antoine de Caunes, weaves an elaborate story about Napoleon under arrest in exile on St. Helena, assorted intrigues, escape plans and mystery.
Philippe Torreton as Napoleon cuts a figure of arrogance and determination to still act like a major force even though he is under guard. Richard E. Grant plays Hudson Lowe, the British officer who is Bonaparte's jailer and extra strict in his control. Grant's acting is somewhat over the top at times, but he does get across the challenge he faces in carrying out his duty. Others in the cast include Jay Rodan, Elsa Zylberstein, Roschdy Zem and Bruno Putzulu.
What's most fascinating is the way in which "Monsieur N" speculates on events that have factual backing, but are woven into suppositions that go beyond what is known and trade on what can be suspected. The film feeds into the delight in finding conspiracy theories, and this one is extremely colorful, involving Napoleon and his mistress and the intricacies of the plotting and the greed involved. It’s a good yarn, and although it borders on the far-fetched in its premise that Napoleon really escaped, the film is consistently fun to watch. An Empire Pictures release.
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