Napoleon at FACT

Tom Grieve, Cinema Editor

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Napoleon

FACT, City Centre
13 November 2016

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Image courtesy of BFI
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It’s a shame, but sometimes the films that benefit most from a theatrical screening don’t actually get shown very often. Lengthy cinephile holy grails such as Jacques Rivette’s sprawling thirteen-hour OUT 1, Bela Tarr’s seven-hour Satantango, or, indeed, Abel Gance’s 333-minute, epic silent film of the life of Napoleon, benefit hugely from the immersion that only a cinema can provide. This November, FACT are offering the chance to watch Gance’s Napoleon – a film described by Stanley Kubrick as “a masterpiece of cinematic invention” – exactly as it was meant to be seen.

On the surface, this is perhaps one for the more committed or adventurous cinema-goer. But, viewers willing to submit to Gance’s vision will find an entertaining, old-fashioned heroic depiction of Napoleon overcoming fierce rivals, deadly seas and political machinations in pursuit of his imperial destiny. A new BFI restoration showcases the films groundbreaking technical innovations, revealing a silent masterpiece of monstrous proportions. Oh, and don’t worry, if, like me, you need the occasional comfort break – there will be three separate intervals for you to stretch your legs.

Where to go near Napoleon at FACT

City Centre
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Garden Cafe FACT

FACT Liverpool gets back to its coffee-with-creativity roots thanks to a foliage-full new café.

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Next to Nowhere Café

Food From Nowhere is a weekly vegan cafe held in the basement space of much-loved radical bookshop News From Nowhere. It’s open every Saturday from midday to 5pm.

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Shop
News from Nowhere

News from Nowhere is a radical community bookshop selling texts on important current issues as well as leading social justice initiatives.

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BAM BOO

BAM BOO delivers a slice of paradise right in Liverpool city centre, with indulgent meals and delicious cocktails.

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Bold Street Coffee

A super cool cafe at the top of Bold Street, Bold Street Coffee in Liverpool serves a range of specialist coffee, cakes and sandwiches.

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Maray

Much-loved Liverpool restaurant, specialising in forward-thinking small plate dishes.

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LEAF on Bold Street

Keeping Bold Street a hub of creativity, LEAF is more than a tearoom, it’s also a bar and thriving event space with a packed schedule of upcoming happenings.

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Arts Club Liverpool

Based in Liverpool’s old Royal Institute of Arts and Science building, Liverpool Arts Club is a great spot to catch small touring acts.

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City Centre
Bar or Pub
Cafe Tabac

Cafe Tabac is the longest running café bar in Liverpool, serving food and drinks to arty locals and curious newcomers.

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