[MUBI] The last great epic of silent movies. Inventing cinema as art. The portrait of a truly idealized Napoleon, turned into the hero of a heroic film. The extension of "The birth of a nation" (D.W. griffith, 1915) as epic cinema. But also effective in moments of full emotion (the reunion with the mother, the singing of "La Marseillaise"). That great, amazing Act IV. The cinema that we will never watch again.

This is an excellent movie that takes you through all the aspects of Napoleons career. Though, be aware that this movie is five and a half hours long, sou you should consider watching it in 2 or 3 sessions.

A movie to be appreciated, not enjoyed. Gance continues to impress me as a filmmaker, using a wide variety of pretty shocking techniques (handheld-esque camera movement, widescreen??) to enhance emotional impact or to develop themes (lots of superimposition, etc.) I'm particularly in love with his editing style, which can recall the best of Eisenstein when it's done well. But unfortunately, his editing prowess doesn't extend to cutting down the length of this films, as this one is over 5 hours AGAIN. And unlike La Roue, the story and characters just aren't compelling to me in the slightest, so it felt like a slog to get through.