Baz Luhrmann, the Australian filmmaker known for his visually extravagant and often anachronistic films like Moulin Rouge! and Elvis, is set to direct a new film about Joan of Arc, the young French peasant who became a military leader during the Hundred Years’ War. The casting call, which went out this week, is seeking a young female lead for what is being described as “the ultimate teenage girl coming-of-age story, set in the Hundred Years’ War.”
The announcement of Luhrmann's Jehanne d’Arc, as the film is being called, comes after the critical and commercial success of his 2022 Elvis biopic, which was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Luhrmann is currently in the middle of his creative process and has not commented on the announcement, but casting has started, and more information is expected to be shared soon.
Joan of Arc's story is one that has captivated artists and filmmakers for centuries. She was a young peasant girl who claimed to have received divine guidance to lead the French army to victory against the English during the Hundred Years' War. After leading the French forces to a series of key victories, she was captured and executed for heresy in 1431 at the age of 19. But her legacy lived on, and she was later recognized as a savior of France and canonized as the country's patron saint.
The story of Joan of Arc has been told on film and television many times over the years, dating back to the 1928 silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc. The film, directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, starred Renée Jeanne Falconetti in a critically acclaimed performance as Joan. It's a film that stands out for its innovative use of close-ups and minimalist set design, highlighting the intensity and poignancy of Joan's final days.
In 1999, Luc Besson directed a film titled The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, which starred Milla Jovovich as Joan. The film was met with mixed reviews, with some critics praising Jovovich's performance while others found the film to be too violent and melodramatic.
The story of Joan of Arc has also been the subject of numerous television films and mini-series, including a 1992 version starring Leelee Sobieski and a 2004 French film starring Clémence Poésy.
Luhrmann is known for his visually lavish and often operatic style, and his films are typically characterized by fast-paced editing, eclectic modern music, and a blend of historical and contemporary elements. His take on Jehanne d’Arc will likely follow this same stylistic pattern, creating an extravagant and surreal experience that amplifies Joan's passion and her divine mission.
While few details about the new film have been released, Luhrmann is expected to shoot it in Australia to take advantage of the country's filmmaking incentives. He has shot all of his films in Australia, including Moulin Rouge!, which was set in Paris; The Great Gatsby, which was set in New York; and Elvis, which was set in various American locations, including Las Vegas.
Luhrmann's Jehanne d’Arc is sure to be a highly anticipated film. The director's unique style, combined with the enduring power of Joan of Arc's story, promises to create a visually stunning and emotionally engaging cinematic experience.
