The Heart of France

The passion of Joan of Arc (1928, French silent)
La Passion de Jeanne D'Arc
This 1985 restored French silent movie is the result of restoration of lost rolls and miraculous re-appearances. This 1928 film which courted controversy even before its release has a surprisingly elaborate set-up and effects. Most of the expressions rely on facial expressions as there no musical score in the background. The story is a short one depicting the last hours of the heart of France, Joan of Arc.
Even though we studied about Joan of Arc in our Standard 5 history lessons, I was shocked that the present 17year olds in the national schools are clueless about this lady who has bestowed a saints status!
The film starts with the interrogation of Joan by the Jesuit priests and judges. She was asked about her allegation that she was God sent. She was then asked about her dream when St Michael appeared. They also enquired about her dressing, like that of a man?

Renée Jeanne Falconetti as Joan of Arc

Her reply to them was that she was sent by God with the mission to save France from England.
The priests than concocted a letter apparently written by King Charles of England to her about their attack. The priests accuse her of being Satan's creature and sent her to the torture chamber demanding for her to sign a declaration she has been misled and is wrong. The sight of the priests sanctioned torture tools were too overwhelming that she faints.
She is nursed back to health and she asked to the same in full view of the public.
A big argument ensues trying to claim is a better Christian than the other. After much persuasion and cajoling, Joan endorses the document. She is shaved bald and sent to jail for rehabilitation. In the jail, however, she retracts her statement. She felt guilty denying her God for fear of the stake (punishment by burning). She is sent to be burnt alive in the centre of town.
During the stake, Joan kept chanting the name of Jesus. the public then realised that they have burnt a saint. A riot erupts. Fin..

*It is interesting that in the evolution of mankind, we have gone through a lot of nonsensical teachings from our religious leaders. We, the unenlightened and the not-so-wise (in the theological sense) have taken it in wholesale without questioning them as if they were directly communicated to them by by the Gods via special ports. Did you know that at one time it was sacrilege to use pain killers? "If one cannot appreciate a little bit of pain, how can one appreciate the pain of Jesus dying on the cross to wash the sins of all man?" they said!

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