Yes, I saw the Napoleon movie last weekend. We'll come back to that in a bit...
We lost ouir Zoe fairly suddenly earlier this year, a victim of the Hemangiosarcoma that is the plague of Golden Retrievers. Zoe was the last of many Golden Retrievers from our long time breeder and freind, Bob. The Empress has puppy tested Bob's litters for decades, and in September, after testing a litter, she came back saying how wonderful this one particular boy was. "But he's spoken for, so it doesn't matter." A few days later, Bob called us to say that the prospective owner had backed out, so if we wanted the boy, we could have him. We all went to check him out a few days later. I knew that once we went, we would be getting him. My younger daughter lost her beloved Golden, Rory, a few years back, and has wanted another boy for a while. In fact, we got Rory in much the same way - an unplanned puppy.
So, no surprise, a week later, the new boy, whom my daughter named "Rowan", came home with us. The big girls weren't quite sure what to make of him at first, hence "making friends with treats"!
Well. it wasn't long before Rowan "Conquered everything". he is seen here seated upon this throne, LOL!
Everybody love Rowan!
"I am master of all I survey!"
Back to the Napoleon Movie; I saw it with my wife and our two close, history buff friends (neither of whom is really very familiar with Napoleon and his times). The theater was actually full, which surprised me somewhat. As history, well, not too great. The movie is more told through the lens of Napoleon's relationship with Josephine, which isn't unreasonable for the general public. The earlier part of the movie concerning the siege of Toulon, the "whiff of grapeshot", Napoleon's encountering Josephine, some brief cameos in Egypt and then the Coup d' Etat of Brumaire, the consulate and coronation was reasonably well done; I'd be really interested in what is in the 4+ hour director's cut. The battle scenes are impressive but pretty grossly fantasy. Overall, I enjoyed it for what it was. The subject of Napoleon, his life and his times is so complex that it would really take a muti-part series to cover it in any depth at all. I think the director would have been far better off with at least 2 or 3 movies; the first woukld cover his early life, and end with his successful 1st Italian campaign. The second might have covered Egypt through Austerlitz or Tilsit, and the last from there until his death. Certainly more development of the many other characters surrounding him, demonstration of his charisma and incredible work ethic, and some coverage of the Concordat and the Code Napoleon would have given a more nuanced and engaging portrait of the man. Today is the 119th anniversary of Napoleon's coronation as Emperor of the French, and the 118th anniversary of Austerlitz. Vive l'Empereur!
Finally, this week saw the death of Dr. Henry Kissinger at age 100. His legacy is complex, but he was certainly a major force, for both good and bad, in the evolution of the world order in the 1960's, 1970's, and beyond. . He retired to Kent, CT, one town Northeast of where I have practiced for almost 40 years. Soon after we moved to the area, my wife and I were out to dinner. She whispered to me "Peter, someone is doing a really BAD impression of Henry Kissinger!". I glanced over, and, knowing that he lived in the area, replied "Oh no, that IS Henry Kissinger!" For the most part celebrities bore me to tears, but I must confess that speaking with Kissinger would have been another matter altogether. We of course ignored he and his party the rest of the evening.
Beautiful boy you have there Peter!
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree with you on breaking the Napoleon story down into 3 films. You could then also get round the tricky problem of a 50 year old playing a man half his age, by having different actors.
I don't have any personal anecdote about Kissinger, but there is a legend where I come from about the renowned soccer fan. Kissinger, supposedly attended a match at my hometown's stadium (forget images of Old Trafford or the Camp Nou!) in the 70s as guest of the town's MP and UK Foreign Secretary, Anthony Crossland, whilst in the UK to discuss some crisis. The story has never been validated, but it was recently repeated by the Guardian when it reported the news of his death.
Thanks, Chris. Considering the extent and duration of Dr Kisinger's travels, I suppose sighting are kind of like places where George Washington slept here in the US. Speaking of which, the next town north of us is Washington, named after him, and includes the G.W. Tavern, and yes, he did sleep there. too!
DeleteCongratulations on the new addition to the family. He looks like a terrific dog.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I was very disappointed with the Napoleon movie. I really couldn't sit through it again just to see if the directors cut added anything. It felt like edited highlights of his life with no real depth mainly because, as you say, it unsuccessfully tried to cover too much ground.
He's being a great dog. At 4 months now, he's still very much a puppy. Adorable and affectionate, but there's nothing he won't chew if you aren't careful! I've nicknamed him "Mr. Nibbles!"
DeleteThe credits included actors for a large number of historical figures; I couldn't tell you which one was Davout, or Murat, etc; Lucien and Barras, yes. Some of the uniforms were glorious (the chasseurs a cheval of the Guard are seen often escorting Napoleon's carriage), but then there's the silly (if understandable form a mass audience perspective) use of plain tricolors in the Austerlitz scenes... then we see the 1804 lozenge patterns at Waterloo. The reviews helped me NOT expect anything more than an impressionist broad brush depiction. I'm not unhappy I saw it, and I would like to see the extended version, but I couldn't imagine my wife watching it with me!
Nice to see a less negative review of "Napoleon" than most that are appearing Peter! I did not hate the film either, even though I recognise most of the military events were almost pure fiction - so presumably the bits with Josephine may well have been similar?
ReplyDeleteI doubt there would be a market for a three part "Life of Napoleon" series of films; unlike you, me and the readers of our blogs, most normal people just aren't that interested in him - he isn't a Hobbit or a Superhero (ok, some wargamers might think he IS a superhero, but the general film watching population don't!)
Napoleon's life would be far better suited to a miniseries; after all, if they could do multiple seasons on Queen Victoria (and even more the recent British Royal family!), he's far more worthy of the time spent.
DeleteWell yes, but is there a huge market for him in the English-speaking world? Maybe there is.... I am just slightly doubtful.
DeleteNo arguments there, and yet considering how much drivel is produced for mass consumption now days...
DeleteWhat a lovely little retriever! I'm broadly in agreement on Napoleon, I quite enjoyed it, just had to switch the historical bit off!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks, Iain; here's a love! As far as the file, knowing the history helped make more sense of what was happening, but also made it so apparent what was left out or distorted. Bottom line is that this flawed film is better than no film!
DeleteCongrats on adding Rowan to your pack. Always fun with getting a new puppy. Your review of the new Napoleon movie is interesting. On a series of most any Napoleonic period personality, nice idea but not likely.
ReplyDeleteKissinger sighting stories are not frequent after he moved to Kent, I guess one can hide in plain sight if they really want to.
Yes, definitely a pack here, especially as we are still thinking of breeding one of our dogs this winter! Considering how long I have lived in the area, my level of involvement with my local hospital, and the fact that one of my friends and colleagues was the only doctor in Kent for many years, it's perhaps more surprising that I only encountered Kissinger once!
DeleteI think you were being very kind to that film. My review was certainly the opposite, but everyone has a right to an opinion, so Im pleased you enjoyed it. Knowing the distress that the loss of a pet causes, Im pleased you have found a new friend, so best of luck with him. As for Kissinger, I've just read the Max Hastings account of Vietnam. The transcripts of Nixon and Kissinger didn't make comfortable reading, especially as Kissinger received a Nobel Peace prize for what was effectively the betrayal of an ally that totally relied on the USA. What was worse was the lies that Kissinger told to the poor South Vietnamese who believed they would at least be given the weapons to fight the communists. I was lucky enough to be in Vietnam four years ago and had a long talk to a former South Vietnamese special forces officer, who suffered 25 years of 're-education.' His unit fought for a further three years after the US pullout. The man was a fascinating person with a great deal of integrity and pride. What a beautiful country except for the massive Chinese influence which was everywhere. Sadly history repeated itself when the US pulled out of Afghanistan and handed the place over to the Taliban, but at least Biden didnt get a Nobel prize.
ReplyDeleteAs a Napoleonic film, I think Waterloo is beyond doubt far superior. In fact, I''d prefer Abel Gance's silent film "Napoleon", although it covered only his early years. I will likely watch the director's cut to see if it improves the story or not. Aside from that, not a film I'd watch twice. I have no regrets about having watched it, although it helps that I was prepared for what to expect, and what NOT to expect.
ReplyDeleteLike Napoleon, Kissinger's legacy is complex to say the least., and far from all positive. I missed serving in Vietnam by only a couple of years at most; many of my classmate's older brothers were not so fortunate, That his influence on evets was large is beyond doubt.
What a gorgeous fellow he is! In my experience it usually takes a while for the older ones to accept a newbie, so it's good if yours have done so more promptly.
ReplyDeleteRegards, James
It took about 2 weeks; now they all play with him, especially the rambunctious and endlessly energetic Brooke!
DeleteSome canines are born to be stars, even if its in their own little world. On the other side of things, it's so good to see one's loved puppies find the right home.
ReplyDeleteHe is indeed very handsome as well. We've been on the breeder's side as well; this summer we visited Lenny and his family; he's the son of Annie and the brother of Brooke and Maddie.
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