I finally got around to watching The Passion of Joan of Arc, widely considered one of the greatest films and lead performances off all time, and I can clearly see why it is held in such high regard. Yes it's a silent movie but spoken words are not needed to convey emotion and this film is proof positive.
The movie is based on transcripts of the trial records of Joan of Arc. With apologies to history buffs for my bastardized version, she led a French revolution against the English based on what she believed to be God telling her to. She was very successful but ultimately captured and this film is based on her trial.
There are two spectacular things this film has going for it: Carl Theodore Dreyer's direction and Renee Jeanne Falconetti's performance. This is one of the first films to feature actors faces in close up shots and it does that prominently with almost half the film being in that style. There are lots of other interesting and previously unseen (at the time) camera angles as well. Dryer positions it from above and below the action making for a new cinematic experience.
As great as the direction is, it's Falconetti's performance that really shines. The range of emotions she shows based solely on facial features is astonishing. Fear, contempt, anguish, acceptance and forgiveness are all conveyed so remarkably it can really hold even a modern audiences attention. It's virtually impossible to describe in words what happens in silence on screen.
I am so glad I finally watched this film and if you're at all interested in film history or just great movies in general it is essential viewing.
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