The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Review
by Homer Yen (homer_yen AT yahoo DOT com)November 22nd, 1999
“Joan” Lacks Dramatic Arc
Sinner or Saint? Heretic or Savior? The history surrounding Joan of Arc has been subject to plenty of interpretation by scholars over the last 5 centuries. And, it was only 500 years after her death that the Vatican finally canonized her. Why might have it taken so long? I would suspect that their was much discussion on both sides as to whether Joan indeed was a messenger from God or just a poor peasant girl with delusional visions, incredible amounts of courage, and tremendous luck. This movie doesn’t advocate either side, and that was one of the problems with “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc,” a somewhat flat depiction of one of history’s most enigmatic icons.
Joan, pronounced “Junne” (played by Milla Jovovich), has received hints throughout her young life that portends to a future that no 19 year-old girl could ever be prepared to handle. These hints include various visions and even a sword that she finds while frolicking through the countryside. Junne believes that God is trying to give her a message. She must free France from her enemies (based on a historical occurrence when England was supposed to annex France through a treaty). She visits Charles, dauphin of France (John Malkovich), to tell him of her divine role, and is given an army with which to cleanse the French countryside of English troops. Charles and his advisors may be skeptical of her baseless claims, which really has to be taken on faith, but any kind of victory would garner him support among the masses as he prepares to accept his crown. Meanwhile, Junne, who is only a messenger, has a strange effect on the French army. Their strength seems greater while their morale increases, believing that God is on their side. Against all odds, they score unlikely but critical victories in the war. Junne is regarded a hero. Charles’ popularity soars. All of this takes place in the first half of the movie, and for the most part, I am more or less satisfied with how the movie has unfolded.
Director Luc Besson is true to form in bringing to life a 15th century world when miracles in France were sorely needed. You may recall Besson’s eye-popping “Fifth Element”, and here, his visualizations are equally impressive. Take note of the sheer pageantry of Charles’ coronation. I was also impressed with the medieval warfare, meticulously presented from the inner workings of a catapult to the various defenses (such as cauldrons of boiling oil) that the attacking French must navigate. The siege of an enemy tower is the highlight of the film. Melee is depicted graphically with arrows piercing bodies and flails crushing heads to a bloody pulp.
But the 150-minute movie wanes in the second act as attention turns towards Junne’s inner demons. Now King, Charles withdraws his support for Junne. She is eventually captured and tried for heresy. While awaiting trial, she is visited by another vision (who looks like Dustin Hoffman). He asks her to explain her actions, which seem so contradictory to all of His commandments. Junne is naturally confused about her current state, and the vision tries to help Junne discover her own answers.
Besson is ambitious in his portrayal of Joan of Arc. Jovavich would have been more likeable if she wasn’t screaming at the top of her lungs throughout the film. Of course, it’s hard to hear a 19-year old girl when there are thousands fighting around you. The film’s strength is in its visuals. But dramatically, the movie couldn’t generate the power and seemed fearful in committing one way or another to her cause. Perhaps God motivated her. Perhaps vengeance did. Sinner or Saint? Heretic or Savior? Perhaps only God will ever know.
Grade: C+
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