“The Last Duel” is the latest film directed by Ridley Scott and sees him return to the sword-and-sandals epic with grand spectacle, action, and drama, but the majority of that primarily serves a backdrop for the film’s scathing social commentary on patriarchal rule, religious influence, and most notably, sexism.
Based on a true story, the film takes place in 1386 France and focuses on the last legally authorized duel in the country’s history between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, played by Matt Damon and Adam Driver respectively, after de Carrouges’ wife Marguerite, played by Jodie Comer, accuses Le Gris of raping her.
What’s unique about the film, outside of its timely themes, is the plot’s structure. Taking a page out of films like “Rashomon” or “Pulp Fiction”, The story is told through multiple viewpoints, with each act (or chapter, as the film calls them) differing depending on the perspective. Chapter one depicts Damon’s perspective of events from him being a warrior seeking honor but then becomes waylaid when Comer tells him what happened to her. Chapter two shifts to Driver, a squire and friend of Damon, as now, the events we saw from the latter’s point of view weren’t exactly portrayed how the former remembers. In addition to that, we also see Driver winning the favor of Count Pierre d’Alençon, played by Ben Affleck, to even witnessing his viewpoint on the horrific instigating incident that causes the duel. Finally, we view chapter three in which we see Comer’s side of the story, and in turn the actual truth. The film utilizes this narrative technique brilliantly.
Scott once again directs with striking craftsmanship, not only with the more intimate dramatic scenes, but the action sequences are also nothing short of spectacular, complete with practical swordplay, wonderful setpieces and sound mixing, and intense violence. Another thing to mention is this is the first time both Damon and Affleck have written a screenplay together since their Oscar win for “Good Will Hunting”, and they along with Nicole Holofcener deliver a very well-written, and as previously mentioned layered script. The performances are also incredible, with Comer being a standout, particularly in the third chapter, and will most likely be a strong contender for awards night. Damon and Driver are also great as usual, both shifting from generally likable to malicious both as the film progresses and depending on the point of view. Affleck is surprisingly funny in the film as well, and I liked how his character is cocky, yet never to the point of essentially being a cartacture of a real person.
Unfortunately, there’s one thing I want to point out, but it’s not about the film itself. Instead, I want to point out that sadly not many are seeing this film as it’s still in theaters. For me, it sounds surprising as the film has all the right components. You have an amazing director, a talented cast including a duo who are both respected actors and writers, gritty yet lavish period spectacle, and more-than-timely themes. Some have suggested poor marketing, which can potentially be attributed to the film’s understandably sensitive subject matter, while others suggest its older target demographic are still not fully ready to return to theaters. One thing that was particularly polarizing was that when the film was announced, people were skeptical of what type of film it would be, with some fearing that it would a glorified tale of two men dueling over a woman and the fact that this story which contains sexual assault of that woman was written and directed by men. That couldn’t be further from the truth as One, Scott is no stranger to weaving feminist/anti-toxic masculinity themes into his work. Two, Both Damon and Affleck brought in Holofcener to help give the story a more authentic female perspective, and Three, the titular climax, while exciting, also does not manipulate the viewer as we the audience see that these two men are basically battling for their own pride, something Comer verbally points to Damon as well. Speaking of whom, we see her view this fight appropriately disturbed, as not only is she worried for Damon’s safety, not only is worried for her own, but she is horrified as to how far this went and how everyone else views this event as grand. The film essentially denounces what it’s advertising.
In conclusion, “The Last Duel” is a film that, despite the potentially off-putting subject matter, I encourage everyone to see and support. It’s well-acted, well-directed, superbly written and greatly paced, immersing the viewer, not realizing two and a half hours have passed.
