Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
The Passion of Joan of Arc (original title: La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc) is a 1928 silent film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer and starring Renée Jeanne Falconetti. The film is based on the trial of Joan of Arc, drawing heavily from the actual court records. It is renowned for its intense close-ups, emotional depth, and Falconetti’s powerful performance.
The Story Unfolds
Joan’s Trial
The film begins with Joan of Arc (Renée Jeanne Falconetti) being brought before a tribunal of English-backed French clerics in Rouen. Joan, a young peasant girl who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years’ War, is now captured and accused of heresy. The trial scenes are characterized by their stark, minimalist set design and intense close-up shots of Joan’s face, highlighting her emotional and spiritual turmoil.
Interrogation and Torture
Throughout the trial, Joan is subjected to relentless questioning and psychological torture. The clerics, led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon (Eugène Silvain), attempt to force Joan to recant her claims of divine visions and her mission to save France. Despite their efforts, Joan remains steadfast in her faith and convictions. The film’s focus on Joan’s expressions and the relentless scrutiny of the clerics create a claustrophobic atmosphere, emphasizing her isolation and suffering.
The Climax and Resolution
Forced Confession
Under the threat of execution by burning, Joan eventually signs a confession, renouncing her visions and mission. However, she quickly retracts her recantation, stating that she cannot deny her faith and the voices of Saints Margaret and Catherine who guided her. This act of defiance seals her fate, as the tribunal condemns her to death.
Execution
The film’s climax is Joan’s execution. She is taken to the stake in the marketplace of Rouen and burned alive. Dreyer captures the horror and tragedy of the event through a series of powerful images, including the reactions of the onlookers and Joan’s unwavering faith. The film ends with a riot breaking out among the spectators, symbolizing the profound impact of Joan’s martyrdom.
The Conclusion
Legacy and Impact
The Passion of Joan of Arc concludes with the image of Joan’s ashes being scattered, signifying the end of her earthly suffering but the beginning of her legacy as a symbol of faith, courage, and martyrdom. The film’s portrayal of Joan’s trial and execution highlights the themes of injustice, faith, and the strength of the human spirit.
Movie Ending
The Passion of Joan of Arc ends with Joan’s execution by burning at the stake and the subsequent riot among the onlookers. The film highlights the tragedy of Joan’s martyrdom and her unwavering faith in the face of persecution.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in The Passion of Joan of Arc.
Type of Movie
The Passion of Joan of Arc is a historical silent drama film that combines elements of biographical narrative, religious themes, and psychological intensity, focusing on the trial and execution of Joan of Arc.
Cast
- Renée Jeanne Falconetti as Joan of Arc
- Eugène Silvain as Bishop Pierre Cauchon
- André Berley as Jean d’Estivet
- Maurice Schutz as Nicolas Loyseleur
- Antonin Artaud as Jean Massieu
- Michel Simon as Jean Lemaître
Film Music and Composer
The original film did not have a specific score composed for it, as it was a silent film. Over the years, various composers and musicians have created scores to accompany the film. One notable score is “Voices of Light” by Richard Einhorn, composed in 1994 specifically to accompany The Passion of Joan of Arc.
Filming Locations
The Passion of Joan of Arc was filmed entirely at the Gaumont Studios in Paris, France. The sets were designed to be stark and minimalist, emphasizing the film’s focus on character and emotion rather than elaborate scenery.
Awards and Nominations
Although there were no major international film awards in 1928, The Passion of Joan of Arc is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. It has received numerous accolades and critical acclaim over the years, solidifying its status as a masterpiece of silent cinema.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Carl Theodor Dreyer insisted on a high level of authenticity, basing the script on actual trial transcripts and using natural lighting to enhance the realism.
- Renée Jeanne Falconetti’s performance is often cited as one of the greatest in film history. Her portrayal of Joan was intense and emotionally raw, achieved through Dreyer’s direction and insistence on multiple takes.
- The film’s use of close-ups and unconventional camera angles was groundbreaking and has influenced countless filmmakers.
Inspirations and References
The Passion of Joan of Arc is based on the historical records of Joan of Arc’s trial. The film reflects Dreyer’s interest in exploring themes of faith, martyrdom, and human suffering. It is also influenced by expressionist art and the desire to create a deeply emotional and psychological portrayal of Joan’s ordeal.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of The Passion of Joan of Arc closely follows Dreyer’s vision. Some lost footage was rediscovered in the 1980s, allowing for a more complete restoration of the film.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Joan’s initial trial and interrogation by the clerics.
- The intense close-up shots of Joan’s face, capturing her emotional and spiritual struggle.
- The signing and subsequent retraction of Joan’s forced confession.
- Joan’s execution and the reactions of the onlookers.
Iconic Quotes
As a silent film, The Passion of Joan of Arc does not contain spoken dialogue, but it uses intertitles to convey key lines from the trial records and Joan’s testimony.
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s minimalist set design and use of natural light were innovative for the time, creating a stark and immersive atmosphere.
- Dreyer’s attention to historical accuracy extends to the costumes and props, which were meticulously researched.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately 7 million francs, making it one of the most expensive films of its time.
- The Passion of Joan of Arc was initially banned in England and faced censorship issues in France due to its portrayal of religious themes.
- Falconetti never acted in another film after The Passion of Joan of Arc, adding to the mystique of her performance.
Why Watch?
The Passion of Joan of Arc offers a profound and deeply moving portrayal of faith, martyrdom, and the human spirit, featuring an unforgettable performance by Renée Jeanne Falconetti and masterful direction by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Its blend of historical accuracy, emotional intensity, and innovative filmmaking techniques makes it a must-watch for fans of classic cinema and powerful dramas.
Director’s Other Movies
Carl Theodor Dreyer also directed:
- Vampyr (1932)
- Day of Wrath (1943)
- Ordet (1955)
- Gertrud (1964)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Ordet (1955)
- Andrei Rublev (1966) by Andrei Tarkovsky
- The Seventh Seal (1957) by Ingmar Bergman
- Barry Lyndon (1975) by Stanley Kubrick
