An iconic French ruler gets a British-American overhaul in this eccentric, sweeping and sometimes rousing historical biopic from octogenarian Ridley Scott. Scripted by All The Money In The World’s David Scarpa and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the eponymous emperor, Napoleon runs to epic, though not unnecessary length. This theatrical version precedes what is rumoured to be an even longer director’s cut to be released on Apple TV+ down the line.

The film begins as ‘Corsican brute’ Napoleon Bonaparte makes a name for himself in post-revolutionary France, showing strategic nous (and some nervousness) during the siege of Toulon, and it charts his rise, ignominious ousting and ultimately his death. Punctuated by a clutch of expertly orchestrated battle scenes, it also devotes significant screentime to his relationship with Joséphine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby), from their playful and passionate courtship to a strained and tempestuous marriage.

Napoleon paints a pleasingly knotty, often unflattering portrait of its protagonist (who is shown as shrewd in battle, vulnerable in love and socially ill at ease), and is full of quirky, often humorous details and dialogue to savour. Rupert Everett makes a snooty, enjoyably obstinate Duke Of Wellington (remarking during a downpour, ‘I never get wet if I can help it’), while Kirby brings sensuality and fire to her portrayal of Joséphine.

Capable of great power as a performer, the well-cast Phoenix shows restraint as a watchful, often awkward figure who grows credibly in confidence. There are moments of warmth and affection here, but it’s fascinating to note that, while some might be tempted to puff this military man up, Scott seems intent on cutting him right down to size.

Napoleon is in cinemas from Wednesday 22 November.