The Trial Of Joan Of Arc Reviews

Simply Striking

Robert Bresson?s minimalist approach to film-making is effectively employed in this re-telling of the last part of the Joan of Arc story, from the inquisition to her death. Taken directly from the transcripts of the trial with nothing added, no stirring music or sentimentality, the film allows us to be moved simply by the power of these factual accounts. Bresson?s stripped-bare style echoes the simplistic, lucid yet passionate responses given by Joan to her interrogators. We are presented with an intelligent character, strong and resolute who, except for a slight wobble, remains firm in her convictions; yet we are also reminded of her youth and vulnerability, her purity and her loneliness. Before her death an English soldier presents her with a crudely made cross; the way she holds this simple symbol of courage and faith is devastating.

For the background to the story of Joan of Arc see the interview with historian Georges Duby which is included in the supplements section. Also included as extras are interviews with Bresson and Florence Delay (Joan) along with other bits and pieces including Malraux?s speech at the anniversary of the liberation of Orl?ans.

You love it or hate it!!

If you are a purist and love the French language, you will love this film, but if you are like me and would like to see some action attached to the script, you will be highly disapointed. It is just a matter of opinion.

[Highly rated reviewer]

The Trial of Joan of Arc

An absolutely exceptional film by Robert Bresson. This version of the oft told tale is based on the minutes of Joan's trial and sentencing with the depiction of her punishment sourced from the documentation of the appeal mounted 25 years after her death.

At just 61 minutes this is a super-distilled telling which has the effect of making every frame utterly compelling.

Florence Carrez, who made very few subsequent films, is sensational as Joan combning steely strength in her convictions with the vulnerability of her youth and slight build to produce a hugely affecting performance.

The bishops who condemn Joan could have been portrayed as moustache twirling villains of boundless malevolence; they aren't, they are given surprisingly shaded portrayl as men simply doing their job, having no joy in having to send a 19 year old girl to her death.

I wished it were longer but that is the only bad thing I can say about this flat out brilliant film.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Sometimes less is more

In a time when films seem to get longer and longer it is a joy to return to the simple and sublime cinematic art of Robert Bresson. This is a good introduction to his work. Like Dreyer, who he in some respects resembles, meticulous casting and well chosen shots and montage produce a riviting view of human behaviour. For once, the extras with this film provide insight into Bresson's method and the way to achieve luminous cinema acting from the well cast non-professional. Well worth renting for all interested in world cinema.

Compelling Vision

Bresson's film couldn't be further removed from Dreyer's turbulent The Passion of Joan of Arc, and yet the simplicity of his story telling, using a script drawn from the transcripts of Joan's trial, shines with honesty. The film is slow paced, almost timeless, with a central, contained performance from a young woman who was not a professional actor... Bresson favoured non professional casts... which becomes increasingly compelling as the film moves toward Joan's inevitable execution. In a production which is notably still, Joan's headlong rush to her funeral pyre, the camera tracking the strange, almost shuffling gait of her feet, becomes almost unbearable to watch. Don't miss the interview with the remarkable Florence Carrez in the 'extra features'. Returning to the location which had served as Joan's cell in the film, her reflections on the role are more profound and insightful than many a professional actor would be able to articulate. A 'must see'!

[Highly rated reviewer]

Very interesting

A short and very interesting 1962 film by Robert Bresson, the dialogue of which is literally transcribed from the actual trial. One doesn't necessarily have to be a student of French history to gain anything from the story, but it has to be realised how important the subject is to most French people, and it explains the antipathy which some still hold for the English in that country. Some will find it grim, which it was, but they will not be able to escape the courage which the young woman showed in the face of some appalling treatment by her oppressive English and French interrogators. It is a measured and compelling film, rather in the form of a drama documentary.

Flawless

As a companion piece to 'Diary of a Country Priest' and a 'Man Escaped' this is a perfect realisation of the prison as metaphor.

Is Joan a prisoner of her inquisitors, her beliefs, her 'voices' or is he free to realise her destiny.

Not a film if you need action, but if you want to be taken in by a wonderful central performance please watch this film on my recommendation.

Customer Review

This is the real gritty version of the wonderful life of Joan Of Arc. The film is based around her trial and even uses the exact responses she gave during her trial. It is a film designed to put you in the shoes of Joan Of Arc and it does this very well indeed.

This film is superb and is a wonderful tribute to the final chapter of the life of Joan Of Arc. I too like the ingrid berman version too, but this version is real, raw, uncomplicated and tragic.

I have no doubt in saying that this film will both amaze and move you.

I asked myself how a 19 year old uneducated peasant found the grace, fortitude, wisdom and faith to endure such an ordeal.

This is a gem of a film. Enjoy

Its all in the editing

This is based on actual documents of the trial of Joan of Arc, however the actual 'acting' is pretty wooden and most of the lines are done as if doing a read through rather than of any real people (the english voices shouting out 'she's a witch' seem to be not far from the sketch by Python in The Holy Grail), the only emotion is shown by the actress playing Joan therefore you get a fairly unbalanced portrait of the trial even allowing for all the politics going on behind the scenes. The only aspect of the film which gives it any dynamism is the editing which smoothly cuts between all the to-ing and fro-ing of the priests and soldiers and between the closeups of characters in what in other hands may have stayed as very stagey.

a slow burner?

Bresson shows rather than tells his story and lays bare the events of the trial using nonprofessional actors, plain sets without any musical score. At first this can be a little like watching a school play where actors shuffle on and off the set, apparently dead from the neck down. However this minimalist approach becomes absorbing as we watch Joan give deceptively shrewd answers to the prosecutors' tricking questions - such as 'Do you believe you live in God's grace' - designed to condemn her whether she answers one way or the other. Slowly the realisation dawns on her that her fate is sealed whatever answer she gives and she is tempted to commit perjury to save her life. The accompanying interview with a French historian shows that neither French, English nor Burgundians emerge from the story with any credit, each being responsible for her 'sacrifice.' Some time after her death she was exonerated and sanctified ...to serve the interests of the church and court that condemned her.