The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) — Movie Discussion

"Spiritual rapture and institutional hypocrisy come to stark, vivid life in one of the most transcendent masterpieces of the silent era. Chronicling the trial of Joan of Arc in the hours leading up to her execution, Danish master Carl Theodor Dreyer depicts her torment with startling immediacy, employing an array of techniques — expressionistic lighting, interconnected sets, painfully intimate close-ups — to immerse viewers in her subjective experience. Anchoring Dreyer’s audacious formal experimentation is a legendary performance by Renée Falconetti, whose haunted face channels both the agony and the ecstasy of martyrdom." (Criterion)

“Simply the best (silent) film about (silent) resistance.” (Sight and Sound)

"A profound meditation on faith, courage, and the human condition." (ChatGPT)

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Let's discuss Carl Theodor Dreyer's masterpiece The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), recently voted the 21st greatest movie of all time in Sight and Sound's prestigious survey of international film critics and experts.

Please watch the movie in advance.

You can stream it here (feel free to turn the sound off, which is NOT from the original) or rent it various places online.

We'll also discuss Dreyer's 1955 film Ordet in April or May.

Check out other film discussions in the group on Friday and occasionally Saturdays/Wednesdays.