Dear God, I accept my death gladly but do not let me suffer too long. Will I be with You tonight in Paradise?
What The Passion of Joan of Arc Means to Us
Technically the Academy Awards were not created until the year after this film came out but I’m arguing that not only should she have gotten nominated, but her performance should’ve created the award in the first place. I don’t think there’s been a face that’s carried more weight, that’s expressed more emotion, that’s carried an entire film more than Falconetti. I believe it’s the greatest performance of all time and what’s even more amazing, is the fact that it’s entirely made up of deleted scenes. The original print was destroyed, so every scene in the film was made up of scenes Dreyer originally rejected. I can’t comprehend what this film or even what her performance would’ve been if we got the film Dreyer originally wanted. My dream is that someday the nickname for the Academy Awards is no longer the Oscars but the Falconettis instead. That’s the world I wanna live in.
With her closely cropped hair and unadorned face, Falconetti eschews the glamour and artifice typical of silent-era actresses, instead presenting a raw and unvarnished portrayal of the saint’s suffering. Her ethereal beauty is eclipsed by the intensity of her performance, as she embodies Joan’s courage, resilience, and unshakeable conviction with a breathtaking authenticity that is both captivating and heartbreaking to behold. Falconetti’s performance is also distinguished by her collaboration with director Carl Theodor Dreyer, who employed innovative techniques to capture the emotional depth of Joan’s ordeal. Through a series of tight close-ups and intimate camera angles, Dreyer creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that places the audience squarely in the midst of Joan’s trial, allowing them to experience her anguish and ecstasy first-hand. Falconetti’s portrayal in The Passion of Joan of Arc stands as a testament to the transformative power of acting at its zenith and just how powerful and important the central performance is to the success of a movie. Her performance IS the movie.
–Sailor Monsoon
Full disclosure: I’d never seen this film before volunteering to write this blurb. Oh, I meant to. It’s been on my list forever. You see, one of my favorite films of all time is Vampyr, also directed by Carl Theodor Dryer. That was one of my grail films, and I’ve loved it since I found a bootleg copy at Fantacon in… well, way too long ago. I new Dreyer had directed The Passion of Joan of Arc, and that it was considered his masterpiece, so I also knew I should see it. And yet… what if I didn’t like it? What if Vampyr was nothing but a fluke, a random set of circumstances and talent that created a perfect film for me, if no one else? I mean, I have a tough time with silent films as it is, and the genre and subject matter was nothing I was interested in. I was afraid of tainting my experience, and so I avoided it.
I wish I had not waited. The Passion of Joan of Arc IS a masterpiece. Shot almost entirely in closeups, with actors devoid of makeup and with so little of the artifice I associate with silent films. It’s raw and powerful. And Renée Jeanne Falconetti is astonishing. I never think of Dreyer as an actor’s director, but somehow his camera and Falconetti’s performance create pure cinema magic. Vampyr will always be my favorite Dreyer movie, but The Passion of Joan of Arc is an artistic high point in film, and Falconetti an actor of enduring skill and talent. If you’ve held off watching it – for any reason – I urge you to give it a chance. I’m glad I did.
–Bob Cram Jr.
A Pioneering Film of the Silent Era
At its heart, The Passion of Joan of Arc is a testament to the power of the human spirit and resilience. Carl Theodor Dreyer’s meticulous direction and Renee Falconetti’s hauntingly captivating portrayal of Joan of Arc combine to create an unparalleled cinematic experience. Falconetti’s performance, largely conveyed through close-ups that capture every nuance of emotion, remains unparalleled in its raw intensity and authenticity. Falconetti does more acting with her eyes than the majority of today’s actors can muster with their entire bodies combined. Her performance is often cited as one of the greatest in film history, noted for its naturalism and emotional intensity. Unlike the more theatrical acting style common in silent films of the era, Falconetti’s nuanced and restrained performance brought a new level of realism and psychological complexity to the screen.
The film’s visual composition is nothing short of breathtaking. Dreyer’s use of minimalist sets and stark lighting enhances the dramatic tension, drawing viewers into the psychological and spiritual turmoil of Joan’s trial. Each frame is crafted by conveying the weight of Joan’s convictions and the oppressive atmosphere of her circumstances. Through expressive imagery and minimal intertitles, the film communicates complex themes of faith, martyrdom, and the struggle against injustice. Its ability to convey profound emotions and moral dilemmas without relying on dialogue speaks volumes about the mastery of the filmmaker.
Behind the Scenes Challenges
The film faced numerous challenges and behind-the-scenes issues that have become an integral part of its storied history. Financial struggles and studio interference plagued the production, as director Carl Theodor Dreyer clashed with the studio over creative control and budgetary constraints, leading to compromises in the film’s production. One of the most significant issues was the loss of the original version of the film. After its premiere in 1928, the negative was destroyed in a fire, meaning that subsequent releases were often from inferior copies or re-edited versions, impacting the film’s preservation and distribution. Additionally, the film faced censorship challenges due to its portrayal of religious themes and the emotional intensity of Joan’s trial. Various countries imposed cuts or bans, limiting its initial distribution and reception. Legal battles over the film’s rights further complicated efforts for restoration and preservation, contributing to the fragmented history of its availability and presentation.
Despite these behind-the-scenes issues, The Passion of Joan of Arc received critical acclaim in subsequent decades, leading to efforts to restore and preserve the film. Its eventual recognition as a cinematic masterpiece helped rehabilitate its reputation and secure its place in film history. The film’s troubled production history has only added to its mystique and allure, underscoring the resilience of great art in the face of adversity. The Passion of Joan of Arc endures as a testament to the artistic vision of Carl Theodor Dreyer and the unforgettable performance of Renée Falconetti, demonstrating the power of cinema to overcome challenges and achieve lasting impact.
What are your thoughts on The Passion of Joan of Arc?
