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Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc - Definition |
| Related Words: Mercury, Pheidippides, Ancestor, Announcer, Antecedent, Buccinator, Commissar, Commissary, Commissioner, Courier, Delegate, Emissary, Envoy, Explorer, Forerunner |
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The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a 1999 movie directed by Luc Besson.
The Messenger portrays the story of Joan of Arc in Besson's interesting, stylistic manner. The story begins with young Jean witnessing the atrocities of the English against her family, following her through her visions, to her leadership in battle, then through doubt (with Dustin Hoffman playing a character who we are never sure is God or Satan), and finally to her trial and execution.
The film stays quite close to the historically accepted story of Joan of Arc. Naturally, there are liberties taken with the dialogue, espcially in Jean's conversations with Dustin Hoffman's character while in prison. These are also some of the most interesting portions of the film, forcing the viewer to question Jean's sanity, and whether her supernatural influences where good or evil. Close attention should be paid to the portrayal of Jean's faith and the interplay with the doubt presented by Dustin Hoffman's character.
Besson's eye for imagery, for shooting the scene, is very well displayed in this film. The viewer should note the transition from panoramic views to intense close ups as well as the use of space on the screen.
Criticism
This film deviated from the historical account of Joan's life in order to pose a "was she a saint/was she insane" type scenario. In the film, Joan does not see visions of saints or angels but rather a vision of Jesus standing in a garden. The film omits entirely the first examination done by the clergy at the dauphin's castle.
Cast
External link
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