The Saturday reviews continue. Again, I don’t have access to the Internet and my templates at the same time, so the look of this review may be a little unusual.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Milla Jovovich in the title role, Dustin Hoffman as the conscience, Faye Dunaway as Yolande, and John Malkovich as Charles VII.
The script was by Luc Besson and Andrew Birkin, and the movie was directed by Luc Besson.
The DVD is available from Amazon.com.
Complete information is available from this IMDB page.
Premise
This is an account of the life of Joan of Arc and her impact on France and England.
High Point
Yolande performs a miracle.
Low Point
The cut to Paris. Some of the intermediate scenes would have been nice.
The Scores
This isn’t particularly original. It’s not even close to being the first version of Joan of Arc’s story. I give it 3 out of 6.
The effects were mixed. Some were effective, but most of the CGI stunt doubles and wire work was blatantly so. I give it 4 out of 6.
The story is well told, with enough ambiguity to allow for all interpretations of the true identity of Dustin Hoffman’s character. I give it 5 out of 6.
The acting was very well done. Jovovich’s performance was better than I’ve seen from her before or since. Dunaway was excellent. I give it 5 out of 6.
The emotional response was pretty level. I was interested throughout, but rarely bored or thrilled. I did want to stick around for the ending, but wouldn’t have been terribly disappointed if something had interrupted me before it was over. I give it 4 out of 6.
The production included one of my greatest pet peeves: blood on the camera lens. Nothing serves to remind you that you’re watching a movie more than that. Otherwise, it was well done, but that one problem always bothers me. I give it 4 out of 6.
Overall, it’s a decent telling of the story, but there’s not a lot here to create interest in the story if it’s not already present in the viewer. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc receives 31 out of 42.
Liquid on lense
The only time I’ve found this particular issue any way appealing is in either farsical or tongue-in-cheek scenes, otherwise I agree that it completely ruins any credibility the movie has.
Damien
Re: Liquid on lense
With the exception of "Saving Private Ryan", I agree. With that film (particularly during the D-Day scenes), it sort of adds to it, if that makes any sense, sort of like we’re a combat photographer/filmer, following the events as a part of them. IIRC, footage of the fighting during the Second World War that wasn’t used during the news-reels was an inspiration for that directorial choice with "Saving Private Ryan".