Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 3.0
Besson is playing with a dulled sword
The story of Joan of Arc holds a mythical quality for the French so it is interesting to see how a French director handles such a tale. Indecisively I say: Besson does not seem to be able to make his mind up whether Joan is a superheroine or some crazy mixed up little girl. Although I loved the flashiness and imagination of the 5th Element, something is definitely missing in this film.It takes Dustin Hoffman's late (and all to brief) arrival into the film to start giving it the darkness it deserves. After all, the story seems to be about rebelleion against tyranny, betrayal and faith.The period is captured well and the battle scenes capture the gore and dirt well enough (crows and dogs nibbling at the dead adds another dimension).The big question is of course Milla Jovovich herself. She spends most of the movie bewildered. She tries to capture the essence of a woman possessed but ends up making a brave although lacking attempt. This kind of role requires a masterful performance to bring out all the nuances. The same indecision seemed to be behind Malkovitch's acting - I was expecting a Valmont (although Faye Dunaway did a good job as the wicked step mother).I did like the overblown English accents and the battle hardened French generals but after the film I was no more wise as to whether Joan was the messenger of God or a lunatic possessed.