i saw Napoleon on 3 big screens

image courtesy Photoplay Productions 

...and it was absolutely amazing.

I was wishing I had brushed up on French history since new characters were introduced throughout the whole 5.5 hours, but it really didn't matter what was going on in the plot. It was completely entertaining, and I was pulled into the film the entire time. Abel Gance populated the film with faces full of character, which certainly helped to keep me involved. Despite the amount of time I spent watching a film, I didn't feel exhausted as I usually do at film festivals. Maybe I've developed an endurance from seeing so many films in school, but my friends said they didn't feel tired either.

Apparently even the length of film wasn't enough for Gance since he includes many shots of multiple-exposures and occasionally split the screen into different fragments. And then there was the Polyvision.

I was well prepared for the 3-screen finale but its appearance was still awe-inspiring. Gasps and spontaneous applause exploded from the audience as the curtains swing back to reveal the Polyvision screens. What struck me at first was the light - three screens means much more light in the room. All of the heads in front of me were lit up, putting the audience into the film. The sudden light felt like the first warm spring day after winter. It was really, really cool.

The three projectors were aligned really well, much better than what is shown in the trailer. There is a loose horizon match across the screens which varies through this part of the film. Sometimes each screen shows different views or events but the most impressive technique was moving characters across the boundaries. The horse that runs off-screen then charges across all three in close-up also drew gasps from the audience. It was a perfect cinematic moment, but then again I had misty eyes all throughout the finale.

If you are still on the fence about seeing it, GO!

If you do:

There are two 20 minute intermissions. Bring snacks or buy some there.

The bathroom lines are really, really long. Plan accordingly.

There is also a 1.5 hour dinner break, and they have everyone leave the building. Make reservations at a local restaurant to make sure you get food and get back in time. The first scene after the break is fantastic.

If you go, let me know what you think!

image courtesy Photoplay Productions