THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (1928)Silent but deadly powerful

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.)