Based on Eric Jagger’s non-fiction book on the last official judicial duel, the Ridley Scott film stars an ensemble cast of Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer and Ben Affleck.
Although there are times when final duel It seems to be teetering on the edge of parody—an almost blackadder is expected to make clever plans with Baldrick, this latest from 83-year-old Ridley Scott is charming and cute to boot.
Read also | Get ‘First Day First Show’ our weekly newsletter from the world of cinema delivered to your inbox. You can subscribe for free here
Based on Eric Jagger’s non-fiction book on the last official judicial duel, The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France (2004), a screenplay by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, looks at history through a somewhat millenarian, #MeToo prism.
On December 29, 1386, Sir Jean de Carrogues (Matt Damon) challenged his former friend and squire, Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), to a duel when Carrogues’ wife Marguerite (Jody Comer) raped Le Gris. charged up.
Divided into three chapters, the film looks at systemic patriarchy and toxic masculinity, narrating similar events from three canons (Carouge, Le Gris and Marguerite). Some of the symbolism might be heavy-handed and cloud the water a bit; Le Gris was stripped and strangled, strangely resembling Christ.
final duel
- Director: Ridley Scott
- Cast: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck
- Story: In Medieval France, honor and truth are determined by the edge of a blade
- Run Time: 153 Minutes
Blonde and bubbly, Ben Affleck enjoys the most as Count Pierre d’Lençon, who finds Carrouges not fun at all and prefers to be well read, but as his wine and venturing partner. The Monk is far from Le Gris. Damon seems kind of out of place as Kairouj – a really terrible haircut may have had something to do with it – while Driver is probably as dishonest as Rakish Le Gris. Comer makes for a brilliant Marguerite, determined to withstand all accidental misadventures.
The costumes are lovely and Darius Wolsky’s cinematography is to die for. Rare fighting (hopefully all the horses are CGI), mud and gore is a good thing in these grim, hyperreal days. conflicts are intertwined mother-in-law Shouting, laughing, the gossiping of the women in waiting, chest licking, and longing pour into the dazzling corridors that give the proceedings a faint soap opera glow.
final duel Gives you a lot to think about and feast your eyes. And if all that one fails to engage one can always remember Blackadder telling Baldric, he “won’t recognize a subtle scheme if he paints himself purple and on a harpsichord.” Naked dances ‘Subtle plans are here again’.”
The Last Duel is playing in theaters now
.