Tasked with reviving one of history’s most formidable figures for the modern screen, The Refinery didn’t just craft key art—they brought a legend back to life. In collaboration with Apple TV+ and Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Refinery tackled Napoleon, merging the grandeur of classic portraiture with the sharp edge of contemporary design, straddling centuries and reimagining the conqueror for today’s audience. The result? Creative that nods to history, pulling viewers into the calculated intensity of a man who aimed to rule it all.

By: The Refinery

Napoleon (above, left)

For this key art, we were tasked with re-creating a portrait of Napoleon.

To imitate the portrait, we chose a shot of our titular character sitting alone in a room. Napoleon slings his arm over a plush chair, his gaze focused and cast downward, as if he’s plotting his next move. He’s a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. The pose, along with the polished, photographic execution, reads like the painting has come to life.

We successfully recreated the portrait of Napoleon, creating a compelling piece of key art for the film.

Napoleon (above, right)

Napoleon’s greatest challenge was the protagonist himself. How do we harness history? How do we convey the scale, grandiosity, and complexity of this cruel and unforgettable conqueror? And, most importantly, how do we deliver a polished, modern finish to excite and invite a younger generation to delve deep into the past? We aimed to answer all these questions with our teaser, where we introduced audiences to the film’s take on this well-known historical figure.

In order to introduce fans to Joaquin Phoenix’s Napoleon, we opted for a tight crop featuring Napoleon’s signature hat, slightly shading the unmistakable face of our lead. It almost reads like an oil painting come to life. The stoic, unwavering stare of an era’s most ruthless conqueror is not obscured by a dusty historical lens. He’s in sharp focus, forcing us to reckon with him: the man who came from nothing, who managed to conquer everything.

Our clients were pleased with this powerful teaser. The singular focus on the titular character piqued the interest of audiences and promised an inventive, unique look into the life of the historical figure.

The Refinery is an award-winning entertainment advertising agency based in Los Angeles, CA. They work with all of the major studios, producing social, digital, and print creative campaigns for theatrical, television, and streamer clients.

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