Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 3.0
An interesting interpretation.
Despite the historical inaccuracies in this film, I still find it interesting. Mainly because Luc Besson took a very secular approach in portraying the Maid. Many of the biographies and movies on Joan of Arc take the easy out and portray the Church's version of her story. But the stray facts against the legend are not explored. But Besson takes a chance on them.The maid was not canonized until 1920. If her sainthood was such a foregone conclusion why such a long wait? Why was she not canonized after her posthumous rehabilitation trial?Her squire Jean D'Aulon had a very earthly love for Jeanne. He is an historical figure that many biographies gloss over. Even in Regine Pernoud's biography he is only a fleeting character. This man was practically with her from day one. He dedicated himself to her the minute she first appeared in court and was captured with her at Compeigne. In the rehabilitation court records, he admits that he thought she was beautiful, saw her naked many times and slept next to her on compaigns. In general, his testimony is the testimony of a man who was in love. Also many of her fellow soldiers also admit to seeing her naked and thinking she was a very lovely woman. But of course they stated that her saintliness prevented them from seducing her. But if Jean D'Aulon and the others were so chaste in their conduct toward Joan, why were they so interested in looking at her body? Besson's movie did not omit D'Aulon's love for Joan. His tenderness, and unconditional love for her, despite her sometimes erratic behavior, are some of the films saving graces.Jeanne served with Gille de Rais, better known as "Bluebeard". If the Maid was sent by God, why did she not prevent Gilles' later atrocities? It would have been a very small prevention on her or God's part and I am sure the families of all the children he murdered would have been grateful.Anyway, this film tries to address some of these questions without denying Joan's incredible accomplishments. The attention to period detail in regards to medieval warfare is excellent. While at times, the film is rather awkward it is a rather brave reinterpretation on Joan.As a counterpoint, also watch the wonderful TV adaption on Joan's story.