Director: Ridley Scott
Action – Drama – History – Thriller
In medieval France, King Charles VI (Alex Lawther) declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) settle his dispute with squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) by challenging him to a duel.
Cast:
Matt Damon * Adam Driver * Jodi Comer * Harriet Walter * Ben Affleck * Alex Lawther
I immediately referenced Rashomon, as the story is told from three different perspectives, with a chapter dedicated to each. It is these chapters that fuel what it is really about.
Both Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris tell their story of what lead them to this situation. The third is told by Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodi Comer), the wife of Jean, and she is the reason that the two men duel. The chapters consist of perceived rivalry, ego, and rape.
The last judicial duel in France does not always make for comfortable viewing, since the subject matter is rape, which the film does not shy away from, and male misogyny from times past.
It was interesting to see what each each character thought of themselves as well as the perspectives of the other characters.
Ben Affleck, never being far from the side of Damon, supports as Count Pierre d’Alençon, the overlord of Jean, as well as being a bit of a troublemaker.
While it was interesting to watch, I can appreciate that it was not one of Ridley Scott’s best films.
Ronin Cinema 