| Director Carl Theodor Dreyer was looking for a Joan of Arc.
He had a screenplay, but he needed an actress. He found
Maria Falconetti in a small theater in Paris, playing in a light
comedy. He saw something more to this woman, this actress
who had never been in film, something beyond the obvious..
Screen testing proved his visceral feelings; he'd found his Joan
of Arc.
Moved, inspired. He through out his screen play.
Took up the actual transcripts of Joan's trial. And built
his movie, his sets, his triumph around a woman's face: Marie
Falconetti' face..
This 1928 movie, the Passion of Joan of Arc, is a silent
movie. Do not be put off by that. This silent movie
is a masterpiece of communication. It will tell you this
story on a higher level than that of mere language.
Renee Maria Falconetti will rule as master of your cognition;
you will believe that you know what Joan of Arc experienced.
Dreyer, through direction, camera and editing will tell you the
poignant story of the inquisition of a young woman, dressed like
a boy, who had lead the French army to victory. A young
woman whom they feared because she believed she had been guided
by God. And you will understand, without words. You
will understand instinctively. |
