CAPFILM: THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC
CAPFILM: THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC
CAPFILM: THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC
Chronicling the trial of Joan of Arc in the final hours leading up to her execution, Danish master Carl Theodor Dreyer depicts her torment with startling immediacy, employing an array of techniques—including expressionistic lighting, interconnected sets, and painfully intimate close-ups— to immerse viewers in her subjective experience. Thought to have been lost to fire, the film’s original version was miraculously found in perfect condition in 1981 in a Norwegian mental institution, heightening the mythic status of this widely revered masterwork. Long available only in rare prints that necessitated live accompaniment, The Passion of Joan of Arc returns to screens in a new restoration, partnered with Richard Einhorn’s acclaimed score Voices of Light for the first time theatrically.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS FILM
by Robert Delaney, Film Arts Programmer
The Passion of Joan of Arc is considered one of the greatest—if not the greatest—films of the silent era. It is possibly the finest gem in director Carl Theodore Dreyer’s filmography, whose work has become fundamental in the world cinema canon: alongside Vampyr (1932), Day of Wrath (1943) and Ordet (1955). Joan of Arc also features a transcendent lead performance from Renée Jeanne Falconetti who created a visceral, heartbreaking performance that endures as one of the highest acting benchmarks in cinema history.
Image, Sound and Silence: An Art House Film Series
Art House Film is one of the most bold, dynamic and influential parts of cinema history. While its impact on filmmaking is significant, it is extremely broad, can be challenging to access, and may be difficult to know where to begin. This series—the first of its kind to be presented at the Appell Center—is designed as an introduction, opening the door for our audiences into the wide world of the Art House.
We will explore pivotal film movements like Iranian New Wave, French New Wave and Italian Neorealism. We will screen films across different eras, going back to the late 1920s and forward to the early 2000s. We will celebrate national film traditions from around the globe and filmmakers who have made far-reaching impressions on world cinema.
Whether you are completely new to these films or have seen them many times before, we hope to create a community around this series; encouraging audiences to share their thoughts through discussion following the full theatrical experience and sparking a continued sense of creative exploration.
Upcoming Films in this Series:
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