Extraordinarily moving

Rating: 10/10 (3 July 2005)

Wow.
I saw this film on TCM and wasn't expecting much, but was totally blown away.
It follows the actual trial transcripts of Joan, as opposed to the Hollywood versions. Maria Falconetti in the title role is captivating. Think of Sinead O'Connor in "Nothing Compares To You". Her close-ups can be heartbreaking.
Dreyer's use of the close-up was novel from what I've read (I'm more of a Hitchcock scholar). Well, if he was experimenting with it, he pretty much perfected it for that time period.
This is a very emotional film well worth seeing!