Movies - The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

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	Movies - The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a 1999 historical drama film 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 Joan 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, Satan or Joan's own conscience 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

Milla Jovovich
- Joan of Arc
Dustin Hoffman
- The Conscience
Faye Dunaway
- Yolande of Aragon
John Malkovich
- Charles VII of France
Tchéky Karyo
- Jean de Dunois
Vincent Cassel
- Gilles de Rais
Pascal Greggory - The Duke of Alençon
Richard Ridings
- La Hire
Desmond Harrington
- Aulon
Timothy West
- Pierre Cauchon
Rab Affleck - Comrade
Stéphane Algoud - Look Out
Edwin Apps - Bishop
David Bailie - English Judge
David Barber - English Judge

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