Review of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) by Timothy M — 01 Sep 2010

A failure, perhaps of epic proportions, but a fascinating one nonetheless that kept my rapt attention for its extended runtime. Biggest problem: Jovovich. Like Jean Seberg before her, she tries really, really hard, but just can't handle the role, which is perhaps one of the most difficult ones in existence.

Secondly: Way too much time spent on the Battle of Orleans, and hence the whole film is lopsided. Thirdly: Besson's sense of humour is often intrusive and inappropriate. However, apart from all that, it remains, I think, a fascinating examination of the character.

I don't know what Besson thinks of Joan, but essentially she's not the angelic hero that we're used to (and that the mini-series in the same year portrayed her as), but rather a total nutcase and firebrand who is terrified of herself.

I haven't seen that approach to Joan before, and I think it comes off rather well. This is quite an oddball film, and certainly not your typical medieval epic (Besson's style is fully intact, for starters), but one that appealed to me personally in several ways.