Joan of Arc (1900)

Resurrected from oblivion in 1982, this grand cinematic spectacle, hand-tinted and displayed in twelve picturesque tableaux, stands as a testament to Georges Méliès's cinematic genius following his celebrated adaptation of Cendrillon (1899). Despite the unfortunate loss of the opening scene that paints Joan as a simple country girl, the film expertly captures the essence of Joan of Arc, portraying her as a saintly figure and a national hero of France through a blend of theatrical long shots, innovative medium shots, and fading transitions. The story begins with a divine encounter, where a young Joan is visited by the heavenly trio of Archangel Michael, St. Margaret, and St. Catherine. With a divine mission in her heart, the 13-year-old Joan defies her parents and bravely steps through the iron gates of Vaucouleurs, persuading Captain Robert de Baudricourt to give her command of an army. The film then moves to the grand coronation of Charles VII in the majestic Reims Cathedral following the pivotal victory at Orléans. The narrative then plunges into the brutal Siege of Compiègne and Joan's final military campaign, where she is captured by the Burgundians on 23 May 1430. Locked in a gloomy dungeon, Joan is once again visited by her celestial guide, St. Michael, who rekindles her spirit and destiny, inspiring the now 19-year-old to reject a retraction. Her defiance leads to her condemnation as a heretic by the Bishop of Beauvais, Pierre Cauchon, and ultimately, her execution at the bustling marketplace of Rouen on 30 May 1431. The film culminates in a sublime apotheosis scene, where Joan, the noble martyr, ascends to heaven, her spirit embraced by God and the saints in a celestial welcome.

Joan of Arc is a drama movie featuring Bleuette Bernon.

Joan of Arc is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.