THE LAST DUEL

It's a shame this film didn't trouble the box office since it has a lot going for it, not least the unusual setting of medieval France.

Naturally, given that Ridley Scott is at the helm, it is visually impressive.  And it has a great cast, headed by Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer, with even Ben Affleck turning in a decent performance.

But I guess the thing that stood out for me was the intriguing story, apparently based on real events, told in three 'chapters', each setting out the truth from the viewpoint of each of the three main characters.

This structure has clear echoes of the Japanese classic 'Rashomon', although in that film the different accounts contradict each other on key points, whereas here each account adds more information or gives a different viewpoint, but doesn't materially conflict with either of the other two accounts.

For example, in the account of Jean, his response to his wife Marguerite telling him of her rape by Jacques is rather more flattering to him than is her account.

Damon is clearly enjoying playing Jean, a straightforwardly brave and loyal squire who lacks social graces and knows little other than how to fight. 

In his favour he supports Marguerite and challenges Jacques to a duel to the death, although as Marguerite points out his motivation is more to do with the blow to his pride (how dare his property be violated!) than concern for her.

He also neglects to tell her that should he lose the duel she will be burnt alive.  When she does learn this, during a humiliating interrogation conducted by men (well of course), she shows remarkable courage in sticking to her story.

This film makes clear the systemic misogyny of the time, so it is satisfying that ultimately it is Marguerite who emerges with most credit.  It was also gratifying to learn at the end that she seems to have gone on to live a long and happy life, or so one might hope after what she went through.

With all that is at stake the climactic duel is tense and exciting, and impressively staged, and I ended the film thoroughly satisfied.

RATING: ✓✓ Catch It If You Can