The Emperor's New Clothes (2001)

In the delightful historical dramedy *The Emperor's New Clothes* (2001), an exiled Napoleon Bonaparte, desperate to reclaim his lost throne, hatches an audacious scheme: he will swap places with the unassuming commoner Eugene Lenormand, allowing Napoleon to discreetly re-enter Paris. The intention is for Lenormand to eventually reveal the deception, paving the way for Napoleon's triumphant return. However, as is often the case with the best-laid plans, things quickly go awry: the journey itself proves unexpectedly arduous, but far more disastrously, Lenormand becomes far too enamored with his new, luxurious life to ever give up the deception. This leaves Napoleon adjusting uneasily to the life of an ordinary Parisian gardener while the impostor gleefully gorges on the lavish privileges of power. Though Alan Taylor is perhaps most widely recognized for his masterful contributions to seminal television series like *The Sopranos*, *Mad Men*, and *Game of Thrones*, *The Emperor's New Clothes* offers a compelling look at his early cinematic artistry, making it a deserving entry on a list of his best. This 2001 film demonstrates Taylor's keen ability to direct nuanced, character-driven narratives, particularly highlighted by Ian Holm's brilliant dual performance as both the true Napoleon and his unwitting doppelgänger. Taylor brings a sophisticated comedic touch and thoughtful exploration of identity and class to this historical setting, showcasing the versatile directorial hand that would later make him a powerhouse in prestige television. It represents a crucial early display of his skill in crafting compelling human stories before his career pivoted to larger-scale productions, cementing its place as a distinctive and noteworthy example of his range and talent.