The Passion of Joan of Arc -- What Makes This Movie Great? (Episode 136)

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Disclaimer: All reasonable comments are welcome, including reasoned disagreements. You will be banned for foolish talk, harassment, and hate speech on sight; it's a tremendous waste of life. I believe in freedom of association and, by extension, freedom of dissociation from you.

[@sanidhyasingh227]

The close ups of her face made me really uncomfortable. I have heard that she acted in just one film. Amazing to have just made one film and have done something like that for legacy.

[@dr.valbell6427]

Falconetti’s performance is truly THE greatest ever captured on film. Jeanne d’Arc was truly a saint.

[@JoeBesserfan]

“The Passion of Joan of Arc” is great stuff. It’s an emotionally draining experience. It’s also a great movie to expose newcomers to silent dramas. Silent comedies are easy to digest. Silent dramas can often feel ghostly and turn quickly into homework. This movie is fresh and intense. Thanks for the review.

[@erichodge567]

Believe this man! This is a great movie. Those last 10 minutes depicting the execution of Joan are among the most intense in all of film.

[@productivenation9336]

Falconetti's Performance manages to pulverize the majority of acting performances without relying on sound. It's Like beating a samurai in a duel with a twig.

[@sejinoh1970]

This is an amazing movie. Maria Falconetti was superb in capturing Joan of Arc as if she was the real Joan of Arc. Every expression captured poignantly. A must see film for all. Thanks for your analysis and you nailed it perfectly about the mob rule mentality and how this mindset applies today.

[@terryp3034]

I saw this film for the first time several months ago. I was completely unprepared for what was headed my way. I was flattened, steamrolled by the emotion in this film. Everything was assembled perfectly -- the lead actress, the camera work, the relentless (almost uncomfortably so) use of close ups, and the editing that gave a story based on a court transcript a brisk, palpitating pace. And you are so right about the soundtrack! That composition is remarkable. One thing I read about it is that the composer went to the actual village where Joan grew up and recorded the church bell. So when we hear them toll in the film, those may well be the same tones Joan heard. I have never, ever been so impacted by a silent movie. This is the one silent film that I do not would be improved even slightly by updating.

[@w.iraheta3769]

I’ve seen this movie twice, both times with no soundtrack. The experience is overwhelming, I don’t think I could watch it with sound. It’s probably my favorite silent film.

[@carlramos9445]

for me, the greatest silent film of all time ❤️ such a classic

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Thank you.

[@asterlofts1565]

And Metropolis too.

[@isabellapresley7614]

I love Joan of Arc, and I am writing about her in my theology class. I myself am a Christian as well and I fully believe in her power of faith and liberty. I loved this movie, I watched it for the first time a couple days ago, and I thought it was the best Joan of Arc film I'd ever seen!

[@pandajones2759]

Just found your channel. How do you not have over 100k subs? You are seriously a genius. Great work.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you very much. Glad you are getting something from the videos. much appreciated!

[@helvete_ingres4717]

but how..? He got only secular philistine banalities from this film which is, in the words of the director, 'a hymn to the triumph of the soul over the world'

[@riverduck3]

I agree Panda Jones!

[@Morphed626]

I’ve always heard great things about this film but your review has got me really feeling to watch it especially cos of the score snippet you played. Thanks and happy new year.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@0calle951]

i was crying on the execution, amazing!!

[@griffinhamill761]

This is a great, fresh and informative video. I love the analysis and how simple you keep it. Direct. This film feels like it was made today. Dreyer gets performances that are not “performances”. Falconetti believes everything she is doing. It’s very nuanced but feels almost like you’re watching someone as a fly on the wall. Heightened but almost documentary style too. Falconetti’s performance reminds me of how Danny Lloyd in The Shining is. He believes everything that is happening to him. He’s the heart of that film. Brilliant film! Falconetti showcases every emotion and makes it believable because she’s doing everything in her power to suppress certain things too.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you very much.

[@sidneyfields2850]

I had a chance to see this film many years ago at a live showing with the National Symphony Orchestra and a large choir performing the VOICES OF LIGHT score. It was (and remains) the most moving and intense film going experience I've ever had. I also recommend the Criterion Collection Blu Ray disc for your film library.

[@doloresmcgrath9367]

I love this film. Beautifully shot!

[@roaminronin7818]

Thank you for the analysis on this classic. In my personal top 10 favorite films. I do recall hearing about the performance before watching (my 1st viewing was probably 10-12 years ago, also the 1st silent film I saw) & after seeing I certainly wouldn't argue against Falconetti's performance being the greatest alltime. The special features on the Criterion release are pretty interesting too: on the history of this film & its literal rediscovery by accident in 1981, background on its mysterious lead actress, as well as how Voices of Light came together.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thanks, Jerry. You're welcome.

[@tom_abbott]

I agree that the soundtrack you mentioned is the best background noise to watch it with, it makes it more emotive I feel and works well. watched it with other sound and that one is the best. I don't think I could watch it silently, which I believe was the way Dreyer said was the definitive way to watch the movie.

[@quandalebingletonda3rd957]

An absolute masterpiece

[@anniebananie3421]

My favorite film about a saint. Ever. On my short list of favorite films of all time. I cried when I saw this for the first time as a young teen.

[@riverduck3]

I love this film so much that I first had a print made and framed of the actress while wearing the mock crown. I then added a black and white of the Arc de Triomphe. Finally I added a black and white of the Statue of Liberty, and now have a fine compilation of all three.

[@gjford1951]

I saw this more than 50 years ago. It had a soundtrack of what was then considered to be Albinoni's Adagio. It was astonishing. I was reading Antonin Artaud's Theater of Cruelty at the same time. So, it was great to see him in this film.

[@zorik6053]

This is a film I respected more than enjoyed. I can recognize its significance and it was a powerful experience, but I don't feel much of a need to return to it. I might give it another go after watching your video, see if I bump it up from a 4/5 to a 5/5!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you.

[@classicmodernfilms7602]

Great review it is very intense through the stares

[@LearningaboutMovies]

thank you. Have you reviewed this movie on your channel? I wonder which modern movie you would pair it with.

[@classicmodernfilms7602]

@@LearningaboutMovies I haven’t but if I did I would do it with the passion of the Christ

[@LearningaboutMovies]

Yes!

[@riverduck3]

I'm right now going to share a link to this video in hopes of not only promoting Josh and his informative narratives about the greatest films, but also in hopes of encouraging others to view this film now, during the holiest week of all Holy weeks.

[@andreiorbu7630]

Wow I just watched it this morning for the first time

[@barbwing4104]

This movie is great, alone,or with Richard Einhorn’s “voices of light” choral work. Having personal experience with the work and Movie, was my introduction to Ste. Joan.

[@richardmcleod1930]

The Passion of Joan of Arc (silent version) is one of the best films ever made and there are many other silent films that are sadly totally forgotten today. Mark Twain's considered his novel on Joan of Arc to be his best.

[@CcJjGg_]

One of my first silent films. Very powerful! More silent film reviews please. Sunrise is one of my favorites along with the cabinet of dr caligari and metropolis.. I've tried a few comedies but the only one I really enjoyed was the general

[@didiercorot3696]

- Joan of Arc is a heroine known to the four corners of the world. This young girl fought and she has sacrificed her life for a cause that she believed to be just. She has shown exemplary bravery, an iron will and fidelity to her faith, the King and her land. His admirable fight and his tragic end touch all the hearts and make some tears flow. One can only bow to this figure at the symbol noble and legendary. His story should inspire every human being whatever his skin color or religion, his social level or place of life. Joan of Arc is an icon and a Saint for the eternity. She will be perhaps recognized and considered in the future as a universal heritage. (Google Translation from French to English)

[@freddiemarshall769]

What are your thoughts on Alejandro Jodorowsky? Have you seen El Topo or The Holy Mountain by any chance? I love those films!

[@LearningaboutMovies]

I need a good crack at them. Watching the Dune documentary on his attempt at filming it made me want to try him again.

[@AnthonyGargini]

Just saw this for the first time and it was amazing. The only thing I didn't like is that the actors playing English people are extremely French looking😊

[@marktabla5434]

I'm guessing the "Voices of Light" soundtrack is a hard-to-come-by premium-priced feature unto itself and not a drop-down menu option when queuing up this movie on Amazon or Netflix? Oh well.

[@LearningaboutMovies]

yes, that soundtrack is probably only on the Criterion disc. Still. that is likely at a nearby library or could be ordered for free through it. I wonder as well if the soundtrack is on Criterion Channel?

[@aggmeister]

For me, Artaud made this film watchable. Jeanne’s character was absolutely tragic, her facial expressions were heart wrenching and uncomfortable. Artaud gave a little ease from that by giving Jeanne some comfort, and then breaks your heart again at his sorrow for Jeanne.

[@deckofcards87]

I love Chaplin, Lang and Keaton, but yeah when it comes to silent movies this is the seminal number 1 in my top 10. It's emotionally intense and so ahead of it's time, cinematically. I put "Sunrise" by Murnau not far behind.

[@myimorata7678]

I watched it twice today. Falconetti is the deal. It's a not a traditional narrative line, and you just have to deal with it. It's a seminal work. Indispensable. If movies are your passion, this is required.

[@dr.valbell6427]

Nous avons brûlée une sainte. C’est vrai.

[@CatholicWithaBiblePodcast]

She’s conforming to God’s desires. The England-favoring clergy were not. The feminism of Joan is a happenstance of selflessness, and would likely be rejected otherwise. Note: Days after her death, other clergy arrived and gave her a retrial that restored her good name and punished the former clergy.

[@jlsimonable]

nice review but it is not a story on government oppression. Simply about religious oppression. At the time of Joan, states were small and the captors of Joan a band of rebellious French who sold Joan to the English

[@riverduck3]

The film initially triggered the strong feelings against the Catholic Church which I had hoped was long put aside. But after prayer, and then watching it again with a new heart, I saw that those were just men, and remembered that the wrongdoings of humans never negates the goodness of God and His Son. Thank you for your very insightful and completely spot on discussion about this priceless film!

[@ricardocantoral7672]

In my opinion,this film should be considered a superhero film and it's the greatest of all superhero adventures.

[@asmalimescit]

There is nothing at Maria Falconetti's face that makes this movie so great. Joan of Arc was a town girl at age 19... Falconetti is 36 years old here... Joan of Arc at age 19 wanted to save her country. Gathered believers formed an army won battles and captured castles until the last failure that lead to loose her reputation as godsend savior... Maria Falconetti does not give any of these character features. She is like a mad woman without passion without dedication. The movie is focused more on religion part and her becoming saint. For this reason she stares each corner like renaissance paintings of saints... The movie is filmed only 8 years after the pope declared joan of arc as saint...and this is the only thing made great this movie at that time but not anymore...The movie should have been focusing on a 19 year old patriot girl being judged by old religious french men only thinking their own benefit and allying with british and sending a young french girl to death...

[@TheHorrorExperiment]

This is something that I was interested in seeing but today with feminism showing it's true colors being openly Anti-Male, I don't think I could watch this without feeling that this is Anti-Male propaganda, even if it is based on a historical event.

[@guidosanchez5695]

I agree: This is a masterpiece.