She was known by a few names, Joan of Paris and Joan of Arc. Her most famous is Saint Joan. She is a heroine in France. The Catholic Church made her a saint, 400 years after her martyrdom. It would be an effort for anyone to present on film, a saint’s life. The Passion of Joan of Arc, presents her suffering. It is a good effort from Carl Theodore Dryer. He stays away from her leading the French into battle against the English. This alone would make a good film. The director, shows very convincingly, why a peasant girl, was braver than most would be under dire circumstances.
The film shows Joan of Arc’s trial for heresy. It is conducted by the church. The sole goal is to try and convict her. The camera gives closeups of Joan and her accusers. It gives the expressions of Joan and her accusers. This is the camera angle through most of the movie, and it works very well. It is almost as if the audience is witnessing her trial first hand. What makes matters worse, is Joan is tormented by her jailers. They covet a ring she is wearing, and pull it from her finger. They also mock her, and put a crown on her head. This is only the beginning. She is prosecuted, and has no one to defend her. Eugene Silvain as Eveque Pierre Cauchon, is great as the lead prosecutor. He does his best to trap Joan, but she never waivers. Her answers are direct, and to the point. This seems to anger Cauchon. He can’t understand why she won’t deny that she was sent on a divine mission. He finally does get Joan to recant her story. She later admits to her tormentors, that her confession was a lie. She only did it because she didn’t want death by fire. This makes her prosecutors look foolish and they condemn her to death.
Although most of the council of clerics treat Joan horribly, one stands out. He is Jean Massieu, (Antonin Artaud). The priest shows the saint, deep compassion. He hears her confession and gives her communion. This gives Joan peace, and allows her to accept her final suffering. He is there to escort her to her execution, and witnesses it. He holds the crucifix over her, while she burns.
Joan’s execution by fire is very graphic. Her expression is shown while dying. She asks God to not let her suffering be long. During the execution, the people realize that a saint has been put to death. This causes rioting by the people. These scenes are intercut, showing Joan’s final moments. It is the finale of the film, showing chaos accompanying martyrdom, that make a powerful statement.
There are many challenges to acting. Most in the profession, do their best to meet them. It is a mountain to climb, to play individual’s who are revered. The actress who played Joan of Arc, Maria Falconetti, has climbed this mountain. She makes the audience believe she is Joan of Arc. This is through her expressions. They range from fear to nothing at all. The simple peace and joy she shows at receiving the Eucharist, give the audience a feeling of hope. This performance makesThe Passion of Joan of Arc, a film of hope, out of despair.