The Passion of Joan of Arc (1927) (Criterion Collection)

Grand artistic expression

By Joshua  May 8, 2002

Carl Dreyer's masterpiece is one of the greatest, if not the greatest film of all time. Based upon the actual records of the trial of Joan of Arc, Dreyer attempted to create a realistic portrait of Joan. Indeed, he did not allow his actors to wear ma...ke-up. There is an actual blood letting scene as well. The film is composed of incredible shots, with very fast editing. Dreyer used an abundance of smothering close-ups in order to subjugate the audience to Joan's perils. One must see the performance of Marie Falconetti as Joan. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful and expressive ever put on film. She takes the character beyond just the warrior maid of Orleans. We are left with a very human portrait of Joan faced against these very oppressive male judges The trial has been condensed from the several months it actually took place to about a day here. The set design is nearly expressionistic in feel. We are sometimes jutted by uneven architecture and sometimes mis-leading proportions in this movie. As well, there are eerie space relations in this movie. The atmosphere and look of this film are very serious in nature. There are several unique camera angles and techniques, and it is quite clear that this film was ahead of its time. Even more amazing is that this film was made silent at a time when sound films were being produced. There was no original definitive soundtrack to the film. One can watch this DVD silent or with the remarkable score by Richard Einhorn that lends another dimension to the film itself. This is definitely very high-brow viewing, and film at its ultimate artistic expression. Not for the light film watcher or easy passer by. But a must for anyone interested in seeing one of the truly great masterpieces of cinema. Read more Less