Napoleon 1927
Abel Gance's monumental silent epic Napoleon (1927) charts the rise of a young Corsican student whose fiery ambition and tactical genius explode onto the screen in a dazzling display of cinematic innovation.
Director: Abel Gance
Cast
Albert Dieudonné
Napoléon Bonaparte
Nicolas Roudenko
Napoléon Bonaparte (Child)
Edmond van Daële
Maximilien Robespierre
Alexandre Koubitzky
Georges Jacques Danton
Antonin Artaud
Jean-Paul Marat
Abel Gance
Louis Antoine Léon de Saint-Just
Gina Manès
Joséphine, Viscountess of Beauharnais
Nicolas Koline
Tristan Fleury
Annabella
Violine Fleury / Bernardine Eugénie Désirée Clary
Marguerite Gance
Charlotte Corday
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Napoleon (1927) about?
This silent epic follows Napoleon Bonaparte's journey from his youthful days in Corsica through the upheavals of the French Revolution and his eventual rise as a military leader. The film dramatizes key moments in his life, blending real historical events with cinematic spectacle, culminating in his victorious Italian campaign of 1797.
Who directed Napoleon?
Napoleon was directed by Abel Gance, a pioneering French filmmaker known for his innovative techniques and grand historical dramas.
Who stars in Napoleon?
The film's lead role is played by Albert Dieudonné, with notable performances by Edmond van Daële, Antonin Artaud, and Abel Gance himself.
Is Napoleon (1927) worth watching?
With its groundbreaking visuals and historical depth, Napoleon (1927) is a must-watch for silent film enthusiasts and lovers of epic drama. Though it lacks an IMDb rating, its reputation as a cinematic masterpiece and Abel Gance's revolutionary techniques make it a standout in early filmmaking.
How long is Napoleon?
Napoleon (1927) runs for 425 minutes, making it a sweeping, immersive experience for dedicated viewers.
🎥 Trailer
About Napoleon (1927) — Abel Gance's silent masterpiece of power and revolution
Abel Gance's monumental silent epic Napoleon (1927) charts the rise of a young Corsican student whose fiery ambition and tactical genius explode onto the screen in a dazzling display of cinematic innovation. From childhood snowball battles staged like full-scale military maneuvers to his dramatic flight from Corsica and pivotal role in the French Revolution, the film immerses viewers in the heady chaos of war and politics. Gance masterfully blends real storms with political tempests, crafting a visually turbulent portrait of a man destined to reshape history. With Albert Dieudonné embodying Napoleon's magnetic intensity, this groundbreaking drama blends historical grandeur with raw personal drama, delivering an experience that's as emotionally gripping as it is visually spectacular.
A cornerstone of silent cinema, Napoleon stands as a testament to Gance's daring vision—using rapid cuts, triptych projection, and experimental techniques to mirror the chaos of revolution and conquest. The film's sweeping scope captures Napoleon's ascent during the Terror, culminating in the triumphant 1797 invasion of Italy, all set to a pulsating score that heightens the drama. More than a biopic, it's an audacious exploration of power, destiny, and the cost of ambition, offering a window into a pivotal era through the lens of one of history's most controversial figures.
