Directed by: Ridley Scott
Starring: Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck, Jodie Comer
A typical example of how a master director can squeeze something out of nothing.
That is what Ridley Scott did with The Last Duel.
This is just a very ordinary story from a long time ago covering a basic topic, which has been built into a significant cinematic project. Let’s be clear: it’s far from a masterpiece, but it’s a very solid, and expensive film. The box office will show the numbers, but at first glance, knowing how the theatre goers’ sentiment and affinity is at the moment, this most likely will not make a substantial return on its financial investment.
It is also very interesting why a couple of actors (Affleck and Damon) who were heavily inplicated in some early uncovered cases relating to the “me too” movement are making a very bold, but also risky move by making a movie talking about the centuries old roots of “me too” when speaking up about rape was unthinkable for any sexually harassed woman. And what is their point: do they want to clear themselves of any dirt brought to their doorstep by “me too” or do they want to add just another question mark to the movement in terms of : who is telling the truth? Who is the real victim? Are there any victims or are just creations imagined for revenge purposes?
The action takes place in the late 14th century France. A couple of noblemen (Damon and Driver) who serve the same vassal lord (Affleck) are close friends. Damon’s character is married to a fatal lady (Jodie Comer). Of course, the marriage was arranged, as many were in that time, through a deal between the girl’s father and the well-known warrior. The newly promoted bride is not enjoying the new deal, especially during bed time with her new, out of nowhere husband. In the meantime, the other knight is harboring a hidden attraction to the new wife of his friend. So one night, while she is alone in their stone mansion, she is raped by her husband’s former best friend. And unlike most other sexually abused women in that time, she decides to not keep the attack a secret: she is talking loud and clear about what happened that night. The case concludes with the face-off duel to the death between the two men to determine the truth.
The scene of the duel is something to remember. One of the best combat scenes in recent film history. The director’s trademark with all the elements of tension and bloody aggression. Simply perfect.
The cinematography and especially the costume design in the movie are exquisite.
Suggestion: watch the movie on a big screen in a theatre. All the stunt shots, all the mass scenes, and the combat is extra intense when it is on a big screen.
