Highly Overrated But Still Good

Great Film overall

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Fave movie quote - "I winged the witch!" Set in the 15th Century and apparently based on the "true" story of a "real-life" heroine who (supposedly under divine guidance) led France to victory against Britain in the Hundred Years' War - 1948's "Joan Of Arc" (a $4 million production) may have been able to boast about its fine costumes and its expensive set designs - But, boy, did it ever fail, in the long run, to satisfy this viewer on so many other counts.Filled-to-overflowing with a religious onslaught of emotionally over-wrought moments (courtesy of actress Ingrid Bergman) - Joan Of Arc (and all of its cross-bearing heresy) quickly managed to reduce itself to the level of laughable nonsense throughout a good part of its overlong, 146-minute running time.And, speaking about Ingrid Bergman (one of Hollywood's most bankable actresses of her day) - At the age of 33, I could never, ever be convinced to believe that she was portraying a heroine who was supposed to be a simple country girl of just 18 years. No way, Jose.All-in-all - I'd rightfully have to say that the most unintentionally hilarious scenes in this decidedly silly production (which certainly took itself way too seriously) would have to be those with Bergman, in a full suit of shining armour, leading the boys to battle as they fiercely fought their way on to an inevitable victory at Orleans.

Ingrid Bergman, 32 at the time she played the 19-year-old Maid of Orleans, is totally convincing as an illiterate farm girl who wrestles with divinely inspired voices for seven years before going to battle against England for France.The slimy and mercenary churchmen and politicians who betray her are expertly depicted, as is the sole loyal priest whose faith in Joan never wavers. (How novice actor Jose Ferrer won an Oscar nomination for the cardboard role of dauphin is a mystery).The story of Joan's battles, though complicated and full of intrigue, is presented clearly, at times with stentorian voice-over narration. (For anyone who has tried to wade through her exploits on Wikipedia, this element is a godsend.)The climactic execution scene is handled with both horror and dignity. A memorable work.

Joan of Arc (Ingrid Bergman) receives messages from God that she is going to lead France against the British and restore the throne to the Dauphin (Jose Ferrer). She starts out on her mission and she succeeds. However, subsequent events conspire against her and she finds herself imprisoned where she is pressurized to renounce her visions...The problem with the film is that it is very staged. People deliver their lines and then we move on to the next scene. Its as if they are going through what they need to do and say - its not realistically executed. The cast of characters also becomes confusing. Its difficult to follow who is on who's side as the film simultaneously bores you so that you are not really interested in following the story. Ingrid Bergman is annoying as she is way too humble and full of religious clap-trap. She also looks out of place in her suit of armour leading the troops - rather like a Cyberman. I spent the film wishing that it would finish.

A very poor film translation of a stage play--rather than being tailored to the movie medium, this is very stagy, overly talky. The dialogue is arty and artificial. Everyone is obviously acting, giving a performance, though Bergman is radiant and her performance is passionate and sincere.All of the exteriors (outdoor shots) which feature close ups of the lead actors are obviously shot on a sound stage. Some beautiful outdoor footage is used occasionally for establishing shots or transitions between scenes, but Bergman never leaves the soundstage. On the positive side, the film is beautifully photographed, many individual shots are works of art, masterfully lit and composed. However, the camera moves only when necessary to follow the actors, the shots are static, adding to the staginess of the production. Which reminds me of CB DeMille; you could get a good idea of this film by saying it's like a DeMille film, only with more high art pretensions and less spectacle (no cast of thousands here).The most outstanding aspect of 'Joan of Arc' is the music, it's prominently featured, good and loud, and it deserves to be--it's gorgeous. The DVD has no extras at all, though the image and sound are excellent--a very good restoration job. A commentary track would have been very welcome; my guess is this was a challenging production, possibly with a long production period (three cinematographers are listed). It was a commercial failure, at least in part because of public condemnation of Bergman's personal life. I believe director Victor Flemming died soon after production. Lots of meat here for an interesting commentary or two.