In 1386, the last legal duel in France pitted the knight Jean de Carrouges against his old friend, the squire Jacques Le Gris. The latter was accused of rape by the knight’s wife, who, despite the denial of the one who attacked her, refused to remain silent and put his fate in “the hands of God”.
The success of The Last Duel (The last duel in French version) is primarily due to the clever construction of a story inspired by a real historical fact. By telling the same story from the point of view of three different characters, screenwriters Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Nicole Holofcener thus had the opportunity to develop a plot more complex than it might seem at first glance.
By taking the obvious care to remain faithful to the way in which this medieval court case unfolded – as well as to its outcome – and by also attempting to echo the values of the time and its habits and customs, the artisans have infused this epic fresco with a contemporary resonance. In the third part, told from the point of view of Marguerite (Jodie Comer), who wishes to denounce her attacker in a world where the voice of women has practically no value in the eyes of the judicial system, we will certainly see an echo of the #metoo movement. And the need for victims of assault to finally be believed.
To orchestrate this brutal film, devoid of any romantic impetus, Ridley Scott is obviously up to the task. The old driver, to whom we owe in particular The Duellists, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven, takes a classic approach to offer a great cinema show, of good quality, the culmination of which of course lies in this famous duel. It is also choreographed to evoke the inevitable, extremely violent aspect.
Despite a slightly unsettling headdress, which looks like it was inspired by the Longueuil cut, and a chronic inability to pronounce the name of his character à la française, Matt Damon offers a solid performance as Jean de Carrouges, opposite Adam Driver , always impeccable. Mention also to Jodie Comer, whose character, very erased in the first two parts of the story, ultimately bears all the weight of this story.
Indoors
Historical drama
The Last Duel
Ridley scott
With Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer
2 h 32
Consult the film schedule