La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc

Carl Theodor Dreyer's La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928) is perhaps silent film’s masterpiece. Together with W.F. Murnau’s Sunrise, this film exists as the most exemplary example of sophistication, pathos, and spirituality in the face of martyrdom. Utilizing the haunting yet beatific facial expressions of Maria Falconetti, coupled together with contemporary music inspired by the film (full of choirs and orchestras), Dreyer created a singular film that captures the devastation of the hours leading up to Joan of Arc’s ultimate sacrifice.

The camera angles and effects that Dreyer utilizes perfectly encompass the emotions of the film. Unlike his contemporaries in silent film, Dreyer mandated that the actors in this film not use makeup, and this nakedness on the face leads to heartbreaking emotion in Joan of Arc, and often generates a diseased, broken face in those of her condemners. Moreover, the film’s criticism of religious martyrs is still remarkably prescient, allowing for a commentary on the abuse of religious doctrine to spurn others.

There is little to comment upon in this film. Rather, the film washes over one in waves, offering brief respite but always leading to its inevitable crescendo, and the final effect is chilling in its simplicity. This is a film that should be watched by anyone interested in the role of religion in early cinema, or simply by anyone who appreciates cinema. It is probably the most spiritual film to have ever been made.

Ultimately, this is a film where a discussion of the film cannot match the beauty and haunting nature of the film itself. The music is breathtaking, the images exquisite, and Falconetti’s face unmatched in its purity of expression. Utterly amazing.

La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc: 10/10