The Emperor's New Clothes
Release Date:
June 14, 2002
Limited release
This film is kind of an alternate history of Napoleon Bonaparte's last days in exile. What if Napoleon hadn't died in exile? What if he wanted to regain his throne?
Ian Holm (Bilbo Baggins in Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring) plays the role of both the legendary leader and an imposter who is being to used to cover up the grand plan. But, of course, the plan doesn't work exactly as well as planned. After the double is in place, Napoleon travels back to Paris to try and return to power. Along the way, he finds that France has changed since he left. When he arrives in Paris, he discovers that the asylum there is filled with people all claiming to be Napoleon. What to do now? He returns to Elba and has to start planning again. However, the look-alike doesn't want to give up his role.
This film had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival. Reviews of the film have been fairly favorable. Holm's portrayal of Napoleon and his double, Eugene Lenormand, is most impressive. On a movie history note, Holm has played the role of Napoleon before. He appeared as that character in the 1981 movie Time Bandits and in the 1974 British mini-series Napoleon and Love. (Marty Doskins/BOP)
Vital statistics for The Emperor's New Clothes |
Main Cast |
Ian Holm, Iben Hjejle, Tim McInnerny, Tom Watson, Nigel Terry, Hugh Bonneville |
Supporting Cast |
Murray Melvin, Eddie Marsan, Clive Russell, Bob Mason, Trevor Cooper, Chris Langham, Russell Dixon, George Harris, Hayley Carmichael |
Director |
Alan Taylor |
Screenwriter |
Kevin Molony, Alan Taylor, Herbie Wave |
Distributor |
Paramount Classics |
Rating |
PG |
Running Time |
107 minutes |
Screen Count |
41 |
|
Talent in red has entry in The Big Picture |
|
|
|
|
|