The Last Duel

Director: Ridley Scott

Writer: Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Eric Jagger (original author)

Starring: Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck

Reason for watching: new release and a new Ridley Scott movie. I have to watch that.

Number of times I’ve watched it: first time viewing

***

Epic movies do not come around all that often anymore. Our big budget movies are usually superhero-based on related to some previously existing intellectual property. So when I realized that the last duel was being made by THE Ridley Scott who made Alien and Gladiator, I was overly delighted to watch it. Trust me. It does not disappoint.

The events of this movie are based on a true story. In 1300s France, Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) challenged Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) in a duel to the death. Carrouges’s wife Margueritte (Jodie Comer) accused Gris of raping her when she was home alone. Over the course of this epic we get to watch as the backstory and events unfold from each of these three characters’ perspectives. Until in the final act, the titular duel takes place between the two men, with the fate of Margueritte in the balance as the duel took the place of a trial. Should her husband win she will live; but if Jean dies at Jacques hand, she will be burned at the stake.

The stellar cast at the top of this movie keeps us invested. Particularly Comer’s performance is strong as she must convey strength, pain, fear, and mental exhaustion all at once. Both Damon and Driver are strong as well portraying stubborn and ignorant men who have their own selfish reasons to be in the fight. I did not mention Ben Affleck’s character earlier, Count Pierre d'Alençon. Affleck performs well in his supporting performance, but honestly the only notable thing about his character is how incredibly blonde he is.

One part of the movie that polarizes my own opinion on this movie is the decision to view three different characters’ view of the important aspects of the story. While it brings light to the concept of each person experiencing life and interpreting its events in their own way, it can be a bit tedious to watch the same events play out over and over again. Particularly it is difficult to watch the rape scene from Margueritte’s perspective as does not hold back in in the slightest. The violence of it is uncompromising and unsettling.

Seguing into even more violence, the final fight in and of itself excellently entertains. Seeing these two men strike each other with as much force as possible and approach the fight with no holds barred is excellent. This is where we get to see Scott’s talent as an action shine brightest. It’s like being right up close for a prize boxing match. You can feel and see every emotion playing out on the two warriors’ faces.

In summary, this is an excellent theater experience. I am glad I went to see it. It is not for the faint of heart though. Be careful in taking your history class to see this one.

8/10

Until I see another one

Previous
Previous

Dune

Next
Next

Halloween Kills