Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is a cinematic retelling of the life and martyrdom of one of history’s most enduring figures, Joan of Arc. The film attempts to capture the complexity, spirituality, and courage of the young French peasant girl who, inspired by visions and voices she believed were divine, led France to several critical victories during the Hundred Years’ War. While the story of Joan has been adapted multiple times in cinema, literature, and theatre, Besson’s interpretation stands out for its stylistic approach, dramatic intensity, and focus on Joan’s inner life.
Historical Context and Background
The story of Joan of Arc takes place during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, at the height of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. France, fractured and weakened by internal strife, faced occupation by English forces. Joan, a teenage peasant from Domrémy, claimed to have received visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and liberate France from English domination. Her extraordinary military leadership and conviction inspired the French army, culminating in the lifting of the Siege of Orléans in 1429, an event often regarded as a turning point in the war. Captured by the Burgundians, allied with the English, Joan was eventually tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431 at the age of 19.
Besson’s film attempts to remain faithful to the historical record while dramatizing Joan’s personal and spiritual journey. Unlike some earlier cinematic portrayals, which often emphasize political intrigue or focus heavily on battle sequences, this adaptation gives substantial attention to Joan’s internal world—her visions, her moral struggles, and her unwavering belief in her divine mission.
Plot Overview
The narrative follows Joan from her humble beginnings in Domrémy to her rise as the leader of the French army and her ultimate martyrdom. Milla Jovovich portrays Joan with a combination of youthful innocence and resolute determination, emphasizing her extraordinary charisma and spiritual intensity.
The film opens with Joan as a peasant girl living under the shadow of war and occupation. She experiences visions of saints instructing her to support Charles VII, whom she believes is the rightful heir to the French throne. Despite skepticism from her family and villagers, she demonstrates remarkable courage by confronting local authorities and, eventually, convincing the French court of her divine mission.
Once granted command of an army, Joan leads a series of successful campaigns, most notably lifting the Siege of Orléans. The film portrays these battles with a sense of immediacy, blending realism with a heightened, almost mystical sense of purpose. As her fame grows, Joan becomes a symbol of hope and unity for the French people. However, political machinations, jealousy, and betrayal eventually lead to her capture by Burgundian forces and subsequent trial. The film concludes with her execution by burning at the stake, portraying her steadfast faith and moral courage in the face of death.
Themes and Interpretation
Several themes are central to Besson’s Joan of Arc, with spirituality, courage, and the tension between faith and politics standing out prominently.
- Faith and Divine Mission: The film underscores Joan’s unwavering belief in her divine guidance. Besson visually represents her visions in a way that is both ethereal and immediate, suggesting that Joan’s faith is not merely an abstract concept but a lived, visceral experience that drives her actions. Her dialogue and demeanor consistently reflect a conviction that surpasses fear, highlighting the transformative power of belief.
- Youth and Leadership: Joan is depicted as a remarkably young figure thrust into extraordinary circumstances. The film explores the tension between her youth and the weight of her responsibilities. Despite her age, she commands respect and inspires loyalty among seasoned soldiers, which serves to highlight her extraordinary charisma and moral authority.
- Conflict Between Spiritual and Temporal Power: The narrative emphasizes the friction between Joan’s spiritual calling and the political realities of her time. French nobility and clergy, while benefiting from her victories, are wary of her influence and question her motives. This tension culminates in her trial, where political expedience and institutional rigidity clash with personal conviction and divine mandate.
- Martyrdom and Legacy: Joan’s execution is portrayed not merely as a historical event but as a symbolic culmination of her moral and spiritual journey. Her death underscores themes of sacrifice and the enduring power of ideals. By presenting her unwavering faith until the end, the film positions Joan as a figure whose legacy transcends temporal power structures.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Luc Besson brings a distinctive visual style to Joan of Arc, characterized by a mix of realism and stylized cinematography. Battle scenes are shot with kinetic energy, using close-ups, sweeping camera movements, and rapid cuts to create a sense of immediacy. These sequences convey both the chaos of war and Joan’s singular presence within it, emphasizing her leadership and courage.
The film also employs a muted, earthy color palette to evoke the historical period, contrasting with moments of ethereal lighting during Joan’s visions. This visual approach reinforces the distinction between the material world and the spiritual dimension that guides Joan’s actions. Besson’s direction balances spectacle with intimacy, ensuring that the narrative’s emotional and psychological depth is not overshadowed by action sequences.
Performance Analysis
Milla Jovovich’s portrayal of Joan of Arc is central to the film’s impact. Her performance captures both the innocence and extraordinary resolve of the character. Jovovich effectively conveys the internal tension between fear and faith, youth and responsibility, human vulnerability and spiritual strength. Supporting performances, including those of Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich, lend gravitas to the film, though some critics have noted that certain secondary characters are underdeveloped, serving primarily to advance Joan’s story rather than having fully realized arcs of their own.
Historical Accuracy and Criticism
While Joan of Arc (1999) strives for historical fidelity in terms of costumes, settings, and major events, it does take artistic liberties, particularly in the dramatization of Joan’s visions and her personal relationships. Some critics argue that the film simplifies the complex political landscape of 15th-century France, focusing more on Joan’s heroism than the broader context of the war. Nevertheless, these choices are often justified as cinematic necessities, aiming to provide a compelling narrative and emotional resonance rather than a purely documentary-like recounting.
Reception and Legacy
Upon release, the film received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised its visual grandeur, Jovovich’s performance, and Besson’s stylistic direction, while others criticized it for historical simplifications and occasional melodrama. Despite these critiques, the movie has found a measure of appreciation among audiences for its humanistic portrayal of Joan and its emphasis on moral courage and spiritual conviction.
The film’s legacy is intertwined with its ability to make a medieval figure accessible and emotionally resonant for contemporary viewers. Unlike some historical films that focus primarily on politics or warfare, Joan of Arc (1999) centers on the personal journey of its protagonist, emphasizing universal themes of faith, courage, and the struggle to remain true to one’s convictions in the face of overwhelming opposition.
Conclusion
Luc Besson’s Joan of Arc (1999) is a visually striking and emotionally engaging retelling of the life of one of history’s most iconic figures. Through the lens of Joan’s youth, faith, and courage, the film explores enduring themes of spiritual conviction, moral integrity, and the power of individual agency in shaping historical events. While it occasionally prioritizes drama over strict historical accuracy, the film succeeds in conveying the essence of Joan’s character and the extraordinary circumstances in which she lived. Milla Jovovich’s compelling performance, combined with Besson’s distinctive visual style, ensures that this adaptation remains a memorable entry in the cinematic portrayals of Joan of Arc.
Ultimately, the 1999 film invites viewers not only to witness the heroic deeds of Joan but also to reflect on the broader human themes her story embodies—faith, courage, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for justice. By focusing on her internal journey as much as her external achievements, Besson creates a portrait of Joan that is both inspiring and profoundly human, reminding audiences why her legacy has endured for centuries.
