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.
THE DIRECTOR
Contemporary directors could learn a lot from this nearly 100-year old movie. Dreyer’s pacing and editing are phenomenal and match perfectly with Falconetti’s broad and spontaneous displays of raw emotion. He employs a precise blend of quick cuts and lingering close-ups to capture Joan’s shift from earthly to celestial.
The same methods illustrate the grotesque nature of the clergy baiting Joan into a confession. Dreyer pans around their ranks – it’s an ugly, smug group that is also frightened by Joan’s convictions. When Joan responds to a question, the closeups rotate among the worried, bug-eyed clergy. These shots form a simple, yet powerful narrative.
THE BEST – Crying on Command
I’m not sure what Falconetti’s method is, but her ability to summon tears is incredible. I can’t imagine the difficulty of this performance – the emotion she instantly conveys is an exceptional feat.
THE WORST – The Torture Wheel
This is a minor thing but I’m not exactly sure how the torture scene fits – at least in its presentation. Joan is obviously terrified but given how the first half of the movie unfolds, I wonder if this scene could have been more implied.
FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 4.5/5
Dreyer’s near 100-year old technical feats are more impressive than some of today’s offerings. He gives Falconetti a perfect platform to showcase her extraordinary acting. This is a truly remarkable movie.
