NAPOLEON (2023) *** Ridley Scott's epic biopic of the historical conqueror of France with a low-key yet inner turmoil infused turn by Joaquin Phoenix as the titular career soldier whose thirst for power and acceptance is only buoyed by his deeply love affair with his betrothed, Josephine (a truly captivating, still-waters-run-deep performance by the incandescent Vanessa Kirby). Deep bruised and defused palette by cinematographer Dariusz Wolski consistently underscores the utter decay and violence as well as Arthur Max' impressive production design, fantastic costumes by David Crossman and Janty Yates, with a comprehensive and dense screenplay by David Scarpa keeps the story consistently intriguing in spite of the rise-to-acclaim-downward-spiral of its protagonists.