Starring: Renee Falconetti (everybody else is secondary)
Directed by: Carl Th. Dreyer
Jeanne d'Arc is almost universally considered to be one of the true masterpieces of silent cinema. Many go a step further and and claim that it's one of the greatest films from any place or time period. And after watching it, I have no reason to disagree with them. Le Passione de Jeanne d'Arc is indeed a masterpiece, and I quite eagerly join those who would consider it one of the best films ever created. I know I'm guilty of throwing around the word "masterpiece" and attach the label to virtually any film that I'm impressed by, btu here we have the real deal. It's simply that good.
At the center of the film is Renee Falconetti's power-house interpretation of the historic young French girl who rallied France against England in the 1400's. Falconetti's performance is one of the most famous and iconic of all cinema- the brutal emotional intensity she conveys is revered and celebrated by just about everybody.
It is Falconetti's face that lingers in one's mind, one can't forget the constant and extreme close-ups recording every flinch, every blink, every tear that runs down Jeanne's face. I have heard that the human face is a whole world onto itself, and after watching this film it's hard to disagree. It is mind-boggling how much can be revealed by simply focusing on the face of a human being- it reveals a vulnerability and nakedness that otherwise goes unnoticed. Perhaps that is why Falconetti's performance seems to have somehow evaded the passage of time- it hasn't dated because it transcends both time and acting styles. Falconetti's performance of Jeanne isn't a performance, for an hour and a half she is Jeanne, a real person in a real point of history, and we are helpless spectators watching her tragic story unfold before our very eyes.
If somehow we manage to divert our attention from Falconetti (which is hard to do), it becomes instantly obvious that Carl Th. Dreyer's direction almost reaches the same dizzying heights the central performance ahieves. Not only is Jeanne d'Arc the showcase for some of the greatest acting ever caught on film, it's technically a marvel to behold. For this film Dreyer had a set created that was the largest and most expensive one created up until that time, and the funny thing is, it's never utilized to it's full potential. The expansive and meticulously created set is only seen in bits and pieces throughout the film as the camera remains unflinchingly on Falconetti's face. It was a descision of pure genius- it keeps our attention squarely on the heroine as well as mirrors her desperate and hopeless situation.
The shot composition perfectly compliments the turbulant inner state Jeanne experiences. Dreyer creates and maintains a steady rhythm throughout the film with his choice of camera shots- sometimes he discardes perspective, other times he exaggerates it. Sometimes the film becomes surreal looking, almost resembling a nightmare. It's another effective effect that mirrors Jeanne's emotional turmoil. Another virtuoso bit of direction occurs towards the end of the film immediately proceeding Jeanne's death by burning. A frenzy ensues, and the camera careens over the mob, flying back and forth, sometimes capturing images upside down, always changing perspectives at a dizzying pace. I can think of few other instances that depicts utter chaos and fear so effectively. It makes for breathtaking cinema.
Le Passione de Jeanne d'Arc combines one of the greatest performances I've ever seen with some of the most magnificent direction I've ever come across. How can I not proclaim this one of the greatest films ever made? Quite simply, I can't.
(Black and white, silent)
-June 29, 2003
