This
1928 French masterpiece focuses a silent but unblinking lens on Joan's
trial (based on actual trial records), imprisonment, torture and
execution. It's shot predominately in close-ups of the alternately grim
and mocking faces of judges and onlookers, and the sad, ravaged face of
their defendant. I guarantee you will never forgt those faces. The
doomed Joan is portrayed by Renée Jeanne Falconetti, giving what is
regarded as one of the greatest performances ever recorded on film. The
original edit, long thought to be lost in a fire, was miraculously found
in perfect condition in 1981 in a Norwegian mental institution.
Incredibly painful yet beautiful to watch. (Trivia note: This was
Falconetti's first and only film role.)
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