The Last Duel - Hear Me Roar

 

For rent on Spectrum On Demand. 

For purchase on AppleTV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube. 

Trigger Warning 

Depictions of sexual assault and violence towards women. 

    In 1997, best friends Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won the Acadamy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting. Since then, they have made some stellar films as talented actors, but neither seemed to have any plans for another writing collaboration. Sure, Damon contributed to some scripts here & there, and Affleck proved his chops in the director's chair (along with some additional writing credits). Still, the dynamic duo didn't seem to have anything on the horizon until now. Along with veteran screenwriter Nicole Holofcener (late of Walking and Talking and Can You Ever Forgive Me), the three talented bards adapt a socially relevant and emotionally charged medieval history story with the ever-reliable (usually) Sir Ridley Scott at the helm. Resulting in a film that is all at once shocking, gloriously crafted, and beautifully realized. It may not be the kind of film to put you in the Holiday mood, but it will make you think (and occasionally cringe). 

    Based on a series of books by Eric Jager, the story follows three people whose fates have become intertwined by broken promises, shared desires, and a horrendous crime. Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) accuses his former friend and fellow soldier Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) of committing assault against his wife, Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer). The law of the time states that a duel to the death is permitted. However, if Jacques wins, Marguerite will be charged with bearing a false witness and promptly executed. However, should Jean be victorious, he will also prove the validity of the accusations. 

    The story is presented from three different perspectives, building up to the final duel between the two men. Each one showcases the nature of history (typically fiction agreed upon by experts) and how events can be twisted based on bias and individual perception. Not to mention a significant (albeit uncomfortable) reminder of how history's mistreatment of women continues to negatively affect them and the human condition to this very day and how more must be done if we are to ever rise above. 

    Aside from featuring a well-crafted script, the film as a whole is quite fantastic. 

    The cast is absolutely amazing. Matt Damon and Adam Driver have remarkable chemistry, and Driver continues to display his incredible range as a performer. Jodie Comer has arguably the most emotionally demanding role of the story, and she plays it with incredible conviction. I must be sure to check out her Emmy Award-winning work on Killing Eve. 

    The production design is stunning! The costumes, sets, props, and special effects bring the middle ages to life. Not too surprising, given Sir Ridley Scott's track record for making memorable and stellar medieval films. Most notably, his director's cut of Kingdom of Heaven. 

    Probably my only real nitpick with the film is the depiction of the assault, which drives the narrative. The violence with the battle sequences and the duel was acceptable (mostly), but the one moment that drove the plot felt like it could have been handled differently. At least to me. While I recognize it is crucial to the overall narrative, and the filmmakers do not shy away from adequately conveying how horrifying this crime is, I feel the story might have benefited more from the power of suggestion rather than full-view depiction. I do not make this suggestion because of the nature of the scene in question; I make it for all depictions of inhumane violence towards others in cinema. There are times when, indeed, less is more. 

    The Last Duel is a film that is uncomfortable to watch at times, but it delivers a powerful story with some much-needed commentary on the human condition and how much more work is to be done before we can indeed be free. Whenever you feel so inclined, check it out. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.