Monsieur N.

Unfortunately, that same suspense -- Poisoned wine! Secret pacts! Doppelgangers! -- is sometimes a little too stiff, making Monsieur N. play at times like a second-tier Agatha Christie mystery.

This richly produced tale of the last years of the famous 19th-century conqueror has a certain captivating quality about it.

A film of polished ensemble performances, burnished period interiors and fine landscapes, but it's a little bloodless.

You cannot help but admire the beautifully shot views and the solid performances.