Abel Gance's Napoléon movie had created revolution

Ridley Scott-directorial Napoleon has been making quite headlines since it was announced last year. The movie will be showing some epic details of the French Emperor and his chequered rise and fall, and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Napoleon star-cast

The titular role is played by Joaquin Phoenix, who won an Oscar for Joker in 2020. Venessa Kirby has played the role of Empress Josephine. Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras, Ben Miles as Caulaincourt, Ludivine Sagnier as Thérésa Cabarrus, John Hollingworth as Marshal Ney, Youssef Kerkour as Marshal Davout, and Edouard Philipponnat as Alexandre Ier.

About Abel Gance's silent movie

But did you know the first movie made on Napoléon Bonaparte was a silent movie? It was directed by Abel Gance and was released 96 years ago in 1927. The movie is 6-hours long, and created a revolution in the entertainment industry. The epic historical movie has shown every detail of Napoléon, from his youth, early military to his reign.

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The silent movie is celebrated for its innovative cinematography and editing, this film chronicles the formative years of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (portrayed by Albert Dieudonné), tracing his journey from childhood to his triumphant military campaign in Italy. Born on the island of Corsica, Napoleon develops a deep loyalty to his homeland, but is ultimately forced to depart due to clashes with its ruling powers. Seeking refuge on the French mainland, Napoleon embarks on an ambitious ascent through the military ranks. Gance also invented a system he called Polyvision, the Imax of its day, which employed three cameras and three projectors for a panoramic effect.

The silent movie's accolads

Abel Gance's Napoléon has won 4 accolades – London Critics Circle Film Award, Los Angeles Film Critics Award, National Board of Review, and New York Film Critics Award. The titular role of Napoléon Bonaparte was played by Albert Dieudonné, Joseph Bonaparte was played by Georges Lampin, Yvette Dieudonné played Élisa Bonaparte.

Why Abel Gance is famous?

Director Abel Gance is known for being the pioneer in the theory and practice of montage, he is best known for three major silent films: J'accuse (1919), La Roue (1923), and Napoléon (1927). He took his last breath in 1981 at the age of 92.