Joan of Arc (B or 3/4 stars)
Director Victor Fleming's final movie stars Ingrid Bergman as the titular 'Joan of Arc', the 15th century French peasant girl-turned hero who went on to lead the French in battle against the invading English. A LOT occurs in the script, culminating in Joan's capture, torture, & eventual execution by the English; she then was made a Catholic saint. Bergman imbues the lead character with strength, spirituality, & great solemnity; a young woman who proves her undaunted devotion to the Dauphin (then newcomer, Jose Ferrer), a thankless man whom she would help become the King of France -- too bad he and England would deceive her in the end. Joan of Arc was condemned by the Catholic Church & executed as a heretic at age 19 in 1431. But the world would revere her as a heroine for all time.
'Joan of Arc' is a mixed bag of riches & disappointments. Some of the reviews were great, some were awful. The box office was great, but the enormous production budget neutered any monetary success. This opulent production is gorgeous to look at and Bergman's portrayal is quietly compelling, but the 145 minute running time provides more than a few dull spots. The earlier sequences of the film are quite interesting, but much of the 2nd half (Joan's capture, sale to the English, lengthy trial) loses dramatic momentum. The script contains many long-winded monologues & speeches about God & country that will either enthrall the history-lovin' side of your brain OR put you to sleep; depending on your cinematic preferences. For a film about such a charismatic, legendary heroine at the helm and with a story that involves intense battles ... there is a curious lack of dynamics & narrative drive. So yeah, for nearly every positive, there was a negative attached.
Having said that, I still admire the film for many subjective reasons. This is a BIG motion picture. It has epic scope, magnificent Technicolor, immaculate production design/costumes, bold religious themes ... all aspects I typically love. Director Victor Fleming does a decent job juggling/blending the religious symbolism, the medieval battle scenes, & the basic dramatic elements into a generally satisfying whole (flaws notwithstanding). 'Joan of Arc' was nominated for 7 Academy Awards. It won for it's beautiful color cinematography & ornate 15th century costumes; and rightly so. So the movie was certainly appreciated by Hollywood. However, missing among those 7 noms were notices for Best Picture or Director (Fleming's nom would have been posthumous).
As mentioned, Ingrid Bergman is stellar. Her best moment occurs when she is mentally, emotionally, & physically drained by having to make a decision to live (as punishment) or die at the stake with honor. With a chanting crowd behind her, the torment that we see across Bergman's face is incredibly moving. Jose Ferrer has his moments as the loathsome, vacillating French king who betrays Joan after she makes it possible for his ascension to the throne. But overall, he offers a pretty 'nitwit' characterization. He mostly broods and/or says something mildly idiotic. All other performances are sturdy, if not outstanding.
You know, it's too bad that Victor Fleming, best known for directing both Gone With the Wind & Wizard of Oz (what a FEAT!), ended his career with this hit-&-miss telling of Joan's story. But again, what a hit-&-miss it is!! For me, the positives outweigh the negatives. Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating female subjects in all of history. She was a valiant, courageous, faith-fueled woman; a determined champion of patriotism; a pioneer for feminism. I like this film quite a bit. I just wish that there was more profundity in the religious mystery, more energy in the various political intrigues, & more gravitas in the depiction of Joan's triumphs & torments. The script needed more "life" in it to match the grand spectacle on display, as well as the subtle intensity of the lead performance.
'Joan of Arc' is a mixed bag of riches & disappointments. Some of the reviews were great, some were awful. The box office was great, but the enormous production budget neutered any monetary success. This opulent production is gorgeous to look at and Bergman's portrayal is quietly compelling, but the 145 minute running time provides more than a few dull spots. The earlier sequences of the film are quite interesting, but much of the 2nd half (Joan's capture, sale to the English, lengthy trial) loses dramatic momentum. The script contains many long-winded monologues & speeches about God & country that will either enthrall the history-lovin' side of your brain OR put you to sleep; depending on your cinematic preferences. For a film about such a charismatic, legendary heroine at the helm and with a story that involves intense battles ... there is a curious lack of dynamics & narrative drive. So yeah, for nearly every positive, there was a negative attached.
Having said that, I still admire the film for many subjective reasons. This is a BIG motion picture. It has epic scope, magnificent Technicolor, immaculate production design/costumes, bold religious themes ... all aspects I typically love. Director Victor Fleming does a decent job juggling/blending the religious symbolism, the medieval battle scenes, & the basic dramatic elements into a generally satisfying whole (flaws notwithstanding). 'Joan of Arc' was nominated for 7 Academy Awards. It won for it's beautiful color cinematography & ornate 15th century costumes; and rightly so. So the movie was certainly appreciated by Hollywood. However, missing among those 7 noms were notices for Best Picture or Director (Fleming's nom would have been posthumous).
As mentioned, Ingrid Bergman is stellar. Her best moment occurs when she is mentally, emotionally, & physically drained by having to make a decision to live (as punishment) or die at the stake with honor. With a chanting crowd behind her, the torment that we see across Bergman's face is incredibly moving. Jose Ferrer has his moments as the loathsome, vacillating French king who betrays Joan after she makes it possible for his ascension to the throne. But overall, he offers a pretty 'nitwit' characterization. He mostly broods and/or says something mildly idiotic. All other performances are sturdy, if not outstanding.
You know, it's too bad that Victor Fleming, best known for directing both Gone With the Wind & Wizard of Oz (what a FEAT!), ended his career with this hit-&-miss telling of Joan's story. But again, what a hit-&-miss it is!! For me, the positives outweigh the negatives. Joan of Arc is one of the most fascinating female subjects in all of history. She was a valiant, courageous, faith-fueled woman; a determined champion of patriotism; a pioneer for feminism. I like this film quite a bit. I just wish that there was more profundity in the religious mystery, more energy in the various political intrigues, & more gravitas in the depiction of Joan's triumphs & torments. The script needed more "life" in it to match the grand spectacle on display, as well as the subtle intensity of the lead performance.