Scott returns to what he does best with a period action film with a dose of drama added in too. Supported by an all star cast including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer.
Based on a true story set in the 1300's in Medieval France about a Knight (Damon) who accuses a former friend and Squire (Driver) of raping his wife (Comer). Affleck plays Count Pierre d'Alençon who unashamedly sides with Squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver).
As we would expect from a Scott period movie, the cinematography, costumes and setting is all superb. We really feel the damp, cold, dark and brutal nature of life in 1300's Europe. Action scenes are handled excellently also, with specific mention for the final and titular 'duel' which concludes the movie.
Comer stands out in her role, as does Driver, though we realise this is a movie all about men, their pride and status and their possession of a woman as their wife, not about her as a person. This gets portrayed well as the film evolves and Marguerite (Comer), learns the reality of what speaking the truth could mean to her.
The format of the movie however does hinder it. The retelling of the story from three perspectives does feel repetitive and the subtlety of the different versions mean it is difficult for the viewer to feel engaged throughout. Affleck is mis-cast and puts on an awful version of an accent. I feel that Scott is probably not the man to deal with the intricacies of such a story, no matter how well he sets the scene and portrays the action.
A good film well shot and worth a watch if you are a fan of period action or historical drama.
7/10.
Based on a true story set in the 1300's in Medieval France about a Knight (Damon) who accuses a former friend and Squire (Driver) of raping his wife (Comer). Affleck plays Count Pierre d'Alençon who unashamedly sides with Squire Jacques Le Gris (Driver).
As we would expect from a Scott period movie, the cinematography, costumes and setting is all superb. We really feel the damp, cold, dark and brutal nature of life in 1300's Europe. Action scenes are handled excellently also, with specific mention for the final and titular 'duel' which concludes the movie.
Comer stands out in her role, as does Driver, though we realise this is a movie all about men, their pride and status and their possession of a woman as their wife, not about her as a person. This gets portrayed well as the film evolves and Marguerite (Comer), learns the reality of what speaking the truth could mean to her.
The format of the movie however does hinder it. The retelling of the story from three perspectives does feel repetitive and the subtlety of the different versions mean it is difficult for the viewer to feel engaged throughout. Affleck is mis-cast and puts on an awful version of an accent. I feel that Scott is probably not the man to deal with the intricacies of such a story, no matter how well he sets the scene and portrays the action.
A good film well shot and worth a watch if you are a fan of period action or historical drama.
7/10.