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'''''The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc''''' is a ] ] directed by ]. '''''The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc''''' is a ] ] ] directed by ].
''The Messenger'' portrays the story of ] in Besson's trademark 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 ] playing a character who we are never sure is God or Satan), and finally to her trial and execution. ''The Messenger'' portrays the story of St. ], the famous French war heroine of the ] and religious ], played by ]-born ]. 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, through doubt (with ] playing a character who we are never sure is God or Satan and who is only visible to Joan), and finally to her trial and execution.
⚫ Although the company claimed that the film stays close to the historically accepted story of Joan of Arc, historians have strongly disagreed, citing numerous errors even on basic points as well as an attempt to fictionalize Joan's character beyond recognition. Film reviewers' verdicts on the dialogue ranged from criticism that it sounded like something out of Beverly Hills 90210 to comments that it was "merely corny". In interviews with Besson himself in publications such as "Le Monde", the director has said that the film was designed to show Joan, in essence, as a fraud who betrayed her religion by leading an army. Many French people were outraged by this version of their national heroine and patron saint.
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.
⚫ Although the producers of the film claimed that it stays close to the historically accepted story of Joan of Arc, historians have disagreed, citing numerous errors and accusing the film of fictionalizing Joan's character. Film reviewers gave the film mixed reviews, with some criticizing the dialogue which some considered inappropriate, while others considered it "corny". In interviews with publications such as '']'', the director has said the film was designed to show Joan, in essence, as a fraud who betrayed her religion by leading an army. The film itself also portrays Joan as a woman who may have been insane. Many French people were outraged by this version of their patron saint.
Besson's eye for imagery is well-displayed in this film. Highlights include the transition from panoramic views to intense close ups, as well as the use of space on the screen. Jovovich, who was at one point engaged to Besson, received generally good reviews for her performance, although she also received a ] nomination for "Worst Actress".

Coincidentally, another film based upon the life of Joan of Arc, starring ], was made for television at the same time as Besson's film.
==Cast== ==Cast==

Revision as of 13:53, 17 March 2005

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a 1999 historical drama motion picture directed by Luc Besson.

The Messenger portrays the story of St. Joan of Arc, the famous French war heroine of the 15th century and religious martyr, played by Ukrainian-born Milla Jovovich. 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, through doubt (with Dustin Hoffman playing a character who we are never sure is God or Satan and who is only visible to Joan), and finally to her trial and execution.

Although the producers of the film claimed that it stays close to the historically accepted story of Joan of Arc, historians have disagreed, citing numerous errors and accusing the film of fictionalizing Joan's character. Film reviewers gave the film mixed reviews, with some criticizing the dialogue which some considered inappropriate, while others considered it "corny". In interviews with publications such as Le Monde, the director has said the film was designed to show Joan, in essence, as a fraud who betrayed her religion by leading an army. The film itself also portrays Joan as a woman who may have been insane. Many French people were outraged by this version of their patron saint.

Besson's eye for imagery is well-displayed in this film. Highlights include the transition from panoramic views to intense close ups, as well as the use of space on the screen. Jovovich, who was at one point engaged to Besson, received generally good reviews for her performance, although she also received a Razzie Award nomination for "Worst Actress".

Coincidentally, another film based upon the life of Joan of Arc, starring Leelee Sobieski, was made for television at the same time as Besson's film.

Cast

External link

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