The Passion of Joan of Arc is a 1928 movie directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer.
WHAT HAPPENS?
The famed French hero is forced to endure a one-sided ecclesiastical trial in 1431. She continually defends her holy visions and faith, which leads to her execution.
ONE LINE REVIEW
The Passion of Joan of Arc is a movie way ahead of its time, featuring brilliant, emotionally dense acting and emotion.
THE ACTORS
Maria Falconetti gives an extraordinary performance in the title role. She essentially inhabits two characters: the scared and bewildered 19-year old facing the cunning of powerful clergy along with a warrior basking in the glow of heavenly bliss.
She continually slips between these two facets of her character. In one frame, she is stern and defensive against her hypocritical accusers – the next, she basks in her God’s light, her hypnotized eyes weeping. Falconetti makes you believe in her conviction – if not her faith – and forces the viewer to suffer the same consequences. It’s a truly remarkable performance.
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