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Date: Fri, Oct 1, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Subject: Re: Scheduled Home Viewing: THE PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC (La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc)
To: rdca25@gmail.com
Sophia, Eileen, Mamie, Candy Jiang, Abby, Vivian Lin, Christine, Alice Wang, Charlene, Juliet, Joseph, Katherine, David, Tiffany, Karen, Max, Hazel, Holly, Tina, Violet, Chin, Vivian Yang, Ivana, Alice Huang, Hansel, Finna, Hilary, Christopher, Emily, Ida, Jeanette,
SophiaThe Passion of Joan of Arc is impressive in focuses on faces, especially on Joan's face. This film is about historical religion event. Apparently, Carl Theodor Dreyer made it as a silent film so that there won't be too much argument about religious issue. The camera focuses mainly on Joan's face from low angle. Low angles shots show how strong Joan's belief is and her respect and appreciation of God. Also, it could be interpreted as the horror Joan had towards those clergies. When she was questioned, her eyes looked helpless and innocent. It seemed her eyes can talk or even tell story. In particular, when her tears came out from her eyes, Maria Falconetti expressed her emotion so naturally. She acted perfect because her subtle changes of facial expression can be seen obviously. As for the close-ups, viewers can easily see Joan's eyes, eyebrows and even wrinkles on her forehead. This was how close-ups were used effectively.
EileenThis is the silent film. When seeing this film, it seems I were the deaf that can't heard anything about their conversation but still can see their mouse movement. If you only listen to the film it just like listen to the classical music. It's very enjoyable though the music is a little sorrow. The story is about a girl Joan and a group of the judgments. Most of shots in this film use the close-ups. That I can see clearly about their facial expression. Through their facial expression I can know how their feel. In the film I am a little curious that when the judgment ask Joan some questions, sometimes she looks at a man seems like to ask the answer. It seems like the man is on her side but in the end Joan's death is inevitable. It's a sad story but Joan's soul will live forever.
MamieThis film is a religious film, focusing on the female character Joan. The director uses an angle of elevation to show Joan's faithfulness. When she is interrogated, her eyes are firm; she never blinks before the clergies. The character puts much emphasis on Joan's emotion. She doesn't change her attitude just like the director doesn't change his camera shot toward Joan. Compared to Joan, the director uses several shots to describe the corrupted clergies. For example, he uses high angle shot to show clergies 'strong power. It creates a strong contrast between Joan and clergies. There is a flock of bird flies before Joan's martyrdom. The bird motif symbolizes freedom which means Joan's soul will follow the birds to the sky. Although this is a silent movie, with the hymns' accompany, I can feel the sorrow and agony that Joan has suffered.
Candy JiangCarl Th. Dreyer made this film, The Passion of Joan of Arc, a silent movie so that we audience can focus more on the actors' and actresses' facial expressions. Together with the use of close-ups, our reactions toward actors and actresses are stronger. The director used a lot of pan shots to pan through every face of those judges, sometimes with sudden close-ups to their lips. This technique strengthens the feeling of judges' overbearing attitude. Moreover, every take to judges' faces are either eye-level or low angle shots, which showed that they are powerful, even arrogant, aggressive and oppressive. Compared with those powerful judges, most shots of Joan are either eye-level or high angle shots since she was the victim whom committed no crime but was punished to death as the opening intertitles expressed. However, there are some low-angle shots to Joan. The first time of the use of low-angle shot is when Joan was in the torture chamber. In the chamber, although frightened, Joan did not give in but stick firmly to her faith. Here the low-angle shot made her powerful in her faith although she seemed to be the weak one. The other use of low-angle shot to Joan is when she was burned alive to death. The low-angle shot made her a saint instead of a person sent by Satan as the church accused.
Some lines contradict to the images. For example, after a man said to Joan that the church always welcome the misguided lambs, Joan reached out her hand to touch that of the man's; however, that man refused, which means that he can just say beautiful words. Or, the church, which that man represents, can just say beautiful words. The other example is the line, "Joan, we have great sympathy for you." This sequence was shot with low-angle shot, which make these words not sympathetic at all.
AbbyThe movie begins with a pan shot. Compared to the movies nowadays, the setting seems so unreal and fake. And in silent movies, when there are the scenes of people talking, they are usually in the fast motion. There are two opposite parties in the film, the judges and Joan of Arc. As for the judges, they sneer at Joan of Arc and since there is the slightly low-angle shot. As for Joan of Arc, she seems to be the victim and on the weak side, so there is the high-angle shot. There are a lot of switches between the scenes and the subtitle. Although I think it is pretty annoying, but it is necessary in this film because there is the scene of the sentence, the dialogue is the must-know message for the audiences. And Joan of Arc's wide-open eye appears a lot during the sentence and becomes a motif in the movie.
Vivian LinThe director Carl Theodor Dreyer uses a lot of close-ups to make audience to feel the miseries from Joan of Arc. In the beginning of the film, the Fathers force her to repent that she is not the daughter of the God but of the devil. She insists that the God is always in her way. The montage is changed quickly between those Fathers and Joan of Arc. Those Fathers are the symbols of the Catholic church which corrupt severely at the time. It is an ironical comparison between the sufferings and torture face of Joan of Arc and the clerg with evil smiles. When she stands on the stake and forced to sign her name on the paper, the high-angle shots and low-angle shots highlight the different position of Father and Joan of Arc. I notice in the film, the director use high-angle shots to describe that Joan of Arc always believes the God and looks at him. People's rebellion to the church with the passion of Joan of Arc make the whole film fall into the sufferings.
ChristineThe director of The Passion of Joan of Arc intened to use a black and white film stock to built up a realistic scene the time when Joan was questioned at a trial, meanwhile the masking framing created a view of a camera also enhanced reality. And as a silent movie, it concentrated more on the facial expression and body gestures rather than sound to emphasized the emotoin of characters. Take Joan for example, the close up shots consistently focused on her face and others while seldom long shots were taken. To say editing, the cross editing is used frequently to move from Joan to the priests. The shocked and glommy face of Joan is contrasted to the clown-like faces of the quedtioners. The lighting , on the other hand, high-key lighting and white mise en scene clearly expose the evil behavior of the Church. Harsh light curved on the tired face of Joan.
The film showed the discrimanation of women at the time. The Church viewed Joan as Satan's creature only because she wore man's clothes and that she wouldn't attended the Church but actually was sincerely believed in God and claimed herself as daughter of god. She was treated like a prison and claimed to be a witch or psychic as other women regardless of the fact that she was the hero of France.
Alice WangThe Passion of Joan of Arc is one of the few movies that describe the well-known story of the great Joan of Arc. It is a French silent movie directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. The main plot of the movie is about what happened to Joan of Arc when she was accidentally captured by the English enemies to England. The film depicts the detail of the process of the trail, the torture and even the execution of Joan of Arc. One of the most special features of the movie is that throughout the movie most scenes are composed of nothing but close-ups of the characters. The expressions of the actors are so emotional and convincing that even though there are only plain close-ups during most of the movie, in the end it still becomes a rather strong and impressive piece. Also, through the movie we can observe some of the characteristics of Joan of Arc, especially how wise and brave a woman she was. The way she wisely responded to judges truly shows her wisdom and her firm faith in God. Undoubtedly, the film truly does a good job in showing the world how great and exceptional a person Joan of Arc was.
CharleneThe passion of Joan of arc is another silent black and white movie which I think there are much to compliment on. Being a film made approximately eighty two years ago, it still not fails to have its careful compositions. I think the movie is a work in simplicity. There are many close-ups on Jeanne d'Arc and also other judges, presenting a lot of subtle and facial emotions. A tilt of her head or just single glance can impress me a lot. I can see her anguish with her eyes always open widely. And that is a most process because that agony is the thing that those saint must have to endure. Silent movies force us to read the languages between the body and the face. With the company of music, the space of the silent movie is filled and the vision seems to be enhanced at the same time.
JulietI like the oratorio named "Voices of Light" in this film. For me, this song is awesome, presenting a feeling of solemnity and torture. I think that it successfully enhances the grave and sorrowful atmosphere in The Passion of Joan of Arc. Moreover, I praise Maria Falconetti's acting as Jeanne d'Arc. Due to the fact that this is a silent film, characters' expressions and acting must play an important role in expressing characters' state of mind and even the main ideas of the film. In my opinion, Falconetti indeed acts well as a lonely and helpless nineteen-year-old girl who is judged by clerics. Also, I praise those actors' acting as clerics. In fact, I can strongly feel those clerics' distain and mockery towards Jeanne d'Arc from their facial expressions. Take one scene which clerics question Jeanne d'Arc's belief for example. While one cleric doubts Jeanne d'Arc about her claim that she is sent by God, we can see the cleric's scornful attitude toward her clearly. Also, we can see Jeanne d'Arc's helpless but firm facial expression. In fact, because of these actors' superb acting, I can easily involve in the atmosphere. Based on this film, I really feel sorrow for Jeanne d'Arc, and hate those clerics' attitude. To sum up, I like this film, and commend their acting because I am really touched and impressed.
JosephTo begin with, the director makes good use of close-ups in this silent film. It is clear that the aim is to show the facial expression of a character, and to make audience involve with the plot. Besides the close-ups on face, some detailed parts are emphasis through the use of close-ups as well. For example, in one scene, there are close-ups on the mouth of the judge, in order to focus on the harsh scolding on Joan. In addition to the use of close-ups, another technique being often taken is subtle adoption of high- and low-angle. Confronted with the judgment, Joan is shot by high-angle shots. Yet the judges are shot by low-angle shots. But there still are some exceptions. For instance, during the judgment, Joan is shot by low-angle shots sometimes. In my opinion here, I think the director wants to take another way to show her fear, weakness, and anger, which are the emotions different from her subjection to others. Also, the director likes to use pan shots in this film to include the judges into a scene, and sometimes also to include those crowds.
The image of crucifix seems to appear everywhere during this film, especially as Joan decides to accept the stake, and it is always the power which can support Joan. One example lies in that when she stays in the prison, she sees the shade like a crucifix. After a kindhearted priest steps in, and his body is almost about to cover the shade, the shade disappears. Following is the line spoken by the priest, "I have great sympathy for you!" I feel this scene is quite skillful. Another one is that when a man is going to sweep the "crown" away, Joan suddenly realizes that the process of signature is wrong. Then, she confesses that she was lying. Instead, she insists her way and claims that she is the child of Christ. In my point of view, these two examples are both the way that suggests the relationship between Joan and God. Because of God, whose image is constantly shown to remind Joan, Joan is not afraid the trial on earth and thus dare to resists the English judges.
KatherineIn the beginning of the movie, there are many kinds of shots. First, there is a pan shot. And the boy's face seems very sentimental. As if he can see every thing through. In the film, it only shows their ignorance by asking some superficial questions such as "Is God a he or she?" or "How did St. Michael dress?" they are all very arrogant, so that they don't believe there is a woman who is closer to God. Even worse, they afraid that the girl may threaten their high positions. The background music is very sacred but solemn. With such a music, the movie become more powerful.
DavidThe Passion of Joan of Arc is a typical film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer. In order to introduce the scene, it starts with a pan shot, which gives audience a brief scan of the place. The facial performances, gestures, or actions of the actors make the scene look just like a classical painting. The process of judgment is shot by long shots, which gives audience a space so that they would not feel that they are oppressed by the serious air of court. The blockhouse is colored with white. It can help put emphasis on the existence of actors.
TiffanyWhole film focus on characters' facial expression so that plenty of close up are used, especially on Joan. People can easily follow how Joan feels with close up shots, such as horror, sadness, or gladness. I also note that eye movement among most characters is significance in this film because viewers can read the inner though and feeling of actors by watching their eyes and I think their performance on eyes' movement is most attractive and interesting part of this movie. Furthermore, usage of intercutting between Joan and other actors shows clear contrast of sincere and dishonest Christians. And I personally believe that the low-angle shots on Joan presents her honest faith in Jesus as well as a satire on the other false faith which is greedy and prideful.
KarenIn The Passion of Joan of Arc, the director mainly uses close-ups to capture the facial expressions of Joan of Arc, the judges, and the theologians, especially during the trial of Joan. On the trial in the beginning, Joan of Arc is mostly shot by low angle shots, which maybe symbolize the firm belief that she is sent by God to save France. On the contrary, the judges and priests are shot by pan shots, showing them whispering to each other, and reveals their distain, anger, or suspicion toward Joan of Arc. In another scene when Joan of Arc is crying and sees the projected shadow of a crisscross that is formed by the window of the prison, she smiles soothingly. An imprisoned mark converts into the console of her faith, also displays the holiness and pureness of her belief. Furthermore, Joan of Arc's innocent and unswerving conviction is strongly contrasted by the hypocrisy and corruption of the Church and authority. Lastly, while Joan of Arc sacrifices and is burnt to death, the flying birds in the sky may indicate that her soul is finally freed to heaven, flying toward the sky.
MaxThis film is very special because the plots are connected through cuts of people's expressions, music and some lines between cuts. Most of the cuts are close-ups and medium close-ups that clearly shows characters' expressions from one to the other. Although throughout the movie we do not hear the characters speaking, their expressions and non-verbal communication excellently express their words, and the musics well explain their emotions. In addition, with the help of the interlines, views are able to catch the ideas even though not every single sentence is shown.
The angles are greatly used in this work, especially the use of high angle and low angle shots. When a person in a higher position talks to one in a lower status, the scence is shot from a low angle shot to indicate the power of the former to a high angle shot to imply the inferiority of the latter. Another good example is one man's spitting out spittle on Joan's face. We can see the violence of the man through a low angle shot, and then the next scene shows the close-ups of the man's lips foreshadowing his following action. Finally, a high angle shot shows the poor situation of Joan.
Because we see this film whose screen is not full, it seems like we viewers are peeking at the past of the characters. Also, the cuts from one to another as well as the black and whitle color actually reinforce this feeling. In the meanwhile the two elements underscore the pain of Joan
HazelIn the first beginning, the movie is presented by the pan shot, which makes the frames like a scroll.
Of all the facial expressions, postions, body movements of the characters, they all appear to be part of an ancient painting scoll.
The audiences open the scroll to know what's the movie and the story shows.
Later, the frame is shot in long take during the trial, so that the audiences can observe the figures' exprssions and interactions.
What's more, the movie uses lots of close-up to capture the screens and countenances, especially while Joan of Arc is be interrogated by those so-called orthodox theologians. The interactive use of close-up and frame, and through the montage cut, those make the audiences go deeper into the character's inner world. However, it's interesting that while it take to Joan of Arc, the frame is almost composed by low angle shot, which may indicate her firm faith.
HollyIn the beginning of the film, a piece of Catholic chain song gives sense of solemnity and serenity. Then the polyphony turns to be polyphony, adding variety to the music. The pitch rises with multiple sounds, increasing the emotion of anger, sorrow and indignity. The opening music paragraph simply brings out the topic—personal belief, religious conflict, war cruelty, and short history background as the brief introduction. From the judge scene, the height of angles and the change of lighting have different interpretations. Low angle shots with low key lighting make the clergymen looks evil and scheming; the same angle with the high key lighting offers Joan of Arc the character of honesty, dignity and purity. While being judged and questioned, the close-up exaggerates Joan of Arc's facial expression but also her sincerity especially when she counts her age by twisting fingers. Compared with close-ups, the medium shot for the minster ironically emphasizes the fraudulency and cunning, disbelief in, or joking Joan's statement. Contrasting the pastor's smile and Joan's eyes, we may explain the pastor' attitude toward this judge court differs from that of Joan. Joan is serious, intending to make herself clear in response. She pretends to be calm and rational; however, her eyes leak out affective aspect in her mind, the enormous pain and endless judge torturing her, tearing her apart. With eyes widely opened, Joan of Arc reveals her anxiety and worries, as the normal performance on a nineteen-year-old girl faced with a judge. The minster's broad grin, on the other hand, shows adult plots and slyness. The pastor, whose disdainful position upon the case discloses the injustice and the coming tragedy.
Taken with the high angle shot, Joan of the Arc slightly lifts her head, looking at the sky as if God is right up there, transmitting orders. It's a beautiful scene representing Joan's holy and pure. Then she turns his head back, facing those judgers, looking forward directly, bravely, without hesitation. She is encouraged with gallantry. The sound breaks in certain parts are intelligent and impressive. In silent movies, correct application of musical pieces varies the arrangements of ideas in scenes or shots. The gradation of music also matures the development of story plots. Unlike those pastors, continuing to whisper each other, Joan of Arc is lonely and solitude, which serves as a symbol of belief with loneliness. Joan's body is sturdy, presenting her remarkably hardy character; but her face is a display of her feelings. Therefore, in the movie, the director uses lots of close-up putting the emphasis on Joan's delicate countenance. It's bright for this film is black and white. Colorizing a movie sometimes misleads the essence of one story. The plain background setting further accentuates on the main character, Joan of Arc, the key-point figure and the spiritual leader in this film.
TinaIt is very unusual that most of the scenes of this film are close-ups, since most directors mix different kinds of shots to feature their movies. Maybe the reason why there are mostly close-ups is its date or its goal to present Joan of Arc's passion/ emotion. It is not easy for actors to perform in this film, because the close-ups catch every detail of their facial expressions. The actress casting Joan of Arc had large eyes and subtle, various changes in her facial expressions. Most shots of Joan of Arc are shot in low-angle. This is special because usually the weak character, which in this film should be Joan, comparing with the judges, is presented through high-angle shots. But here the director uses low-angles to shoot Joan of Arc, with her head slightly lifted, to indicate that she is looking to God and with her faith she is in fact the strong one.
VioletThis movie represents Joan's pain and tragedy. Joan's life looks like legend but historical real and it have hidden truth. History records let know her trial was organized conspiracy by judges. This movie's writer: Dreyer want to find true also. He exposes cynicism through close up judge's conspiracy. By contrast, judges, Joan's behavior looking for faith in god was spotlight.
The scene driving to the witch was separated 2part, trial and fire punishment. People (bishop, British, judges and the crowd) plunge into the judge having each religious ideology and anger. She against their hypocrisy as firm religious beliefs and affluent knowledge but she have punishment as theirs intend.
Hollow room behind Joan of Arc's painful face represents white image. It is express unvarnished beauty and spatial depth's absence. Plus Joan's closed up face show medieval religious spirit. Tears flowing over the face was magnify thousands time. It looks like huge flood sweeping after silence and emptiness. It is more strong effect than troop's conflict in War movies.
ChinThis is another silent film. I like the way the film begins, and also the music. It shows something related to the religion and it seems like something big and serious going on. It is a high-angle shot when Joan first appears on the screen but later when she is questioned by those juries, it is a low angle shot. The changed of the shot seems like Joan is guilty. Pan shot is use to show the crowds and the juries. Close up is used for each actor when they speak. There is also some extreme close up to the mouth when the juries keep talking maybe to show emphasis. I think of Michelangelo's painting—The Creation of Adam, when the priest gives the ring back to Joan that is taken away by the guard. I think this scene shows that the priest is the one who is going to save Joan. Almost in the end of the film, Joan is burned alive. Here is cut between Joan and the Cross with Jesus on it, which I think it is the emphasize that Joan is guilty, too. Pan shot is used once again to show the folk acrobatics. This kind of comedy is contrast with the situation that Joan is facing. I think this is a nice black-and-white movie.
Vivian YangPassion of Joan of Arc is probably the most powerful silent movie I have never seen. I think the main reason is that the director successfully utilizes close-ups to strenthen Joan's emotion. Joan's face occupies most of the scenes, which makes the audience fully concentrate on every detail expression. Apart from close-ups, intercutting cuts are wildly applied to conversations between Joan and the judges. It is interesting that we seldom see two people having real dialogue in the same shot; instead, we can only imagine the back-and-forth communication through their visual direction.
By the end of the cinema, whether Joan is saint or devil is still controversial. Yet the actress' vivid acting leads the audiences into the deeper side of the plot; i.e., the spiritual satisfaction of human beings.
IvanaPersonally, I like the film. Watching the movie, I must read the action of the actors first, and then the lines which explain the previous action and expressions. As a silent film, it is quite attractive, for the expressions are delicate and well-done. The film starts with an introduction, leading the audience to "witness" the whole judgment. To indicate the word "witness," the director use iris shots throughout the film. The low angle shots and the POV shots on the judges creates a sense of oppressing, while the high angle shots on Joan represents her weakness. As an audience, I think the cinematography is well arranged.
Alice HuangI think most people will notice that this silent film is featured with those shots on people's facial expressions, especially the female protagonist, Joan. In most of the scenes, she is usually shot with a close-up or extremely close-up to convey the changes of here state of mind. One of the most successful functions made by this technique is the frightened face in the beginning of the film and the determined facial expression at the end. Other facial expressions are completed by the group of judges and priest. The sequence shots in which the judges show their indifferent attitude and their insult on her also emphasize the emotion that this film wants to convey.
The director makes use of some symbolic shots as well—especially symbols of the Christian culture. For example, the first one occurs at the scene in which the cross formed by the shadow of the window is stepped over by the dominant priest. This part shows that the truth Joan holds is deserted and dishonored by those judges. The same idea is shown in the scene in which the crown is thrown on the ground by those stupid soldiers (or police).
Another ironic scene implying the lost of truth takes place when Joan is terribly sick, waiting for the blessing of the priest. In the beginning, the priest tells her, "the Church is merciful;" however, at the next moment he retracts his hand from which Joan hopes to find comfort. This plot runs well and is very powerful.
Though this film is a silent movie, it really conveys Joan's insistence on her own belief. The power of emotions is well acted with the delicate facial expressions by those characters.
HanselFace is the most intriguing element in cinema. In this film, the characters' facial expressions play the most crucial role, especially that of Joan. Her face contrasts with those of other people. Her face conveys a kind of innocence while others' are sophisticated and sarcastic. Her eyes disclose her fear and disappointment. She could not understand what is wrong with following her faith. She does not blame anyone but just takes on the consequences. The film focuses on Joan's inner struggle and emotions, and the hypocrisy of those who claim to be just and tolerant. The film tells us to stick to our belief while reminding us what the cost might be.
FinnaIt is not an easy movie to view, especially for those who are not interested in cinematography. I saw it many times, since all I saw are faces and then I would lose my patience. But the direction and photography are really incredible and this film was made about eighty years ago. The camera showed the faces with a clear picture and amazing detail, we can even see the facial lines of Joan. Through the characters' facial expressions, we can see their inner thoughts. While using high angle shots, the accusers are in superiority position and Joan is being judged and criticized. While using low angle shot, we seem to see a great and tragic soul, Joan, suffering. Despite cinematography, Maria Falconetti who played Joan, is a amazing actress. Her faces are memorable and her eyes are most stunning and amazing. Every deliberate move of her eyes conveys the strongest emotion. I think the birds in the end might represent the freedom of Joan's tortured soul.
HilaryI have to say that during this semester I see lots of different kinds of movie. There is no sound of conversation. There is only underscore in the film just like the men with a movie camera. Differently it use black background and white subtitles to emphasize what they said. The director use subtitles and clips to connect the whole movie. It is in a quite proper tempo.
During the whole film, the actress used plenty of facial expression to express her inner feeling, especially the variation of eye look. She did a great job at play the role of Joan. Her performance shows her lonely and helpless. To play this role is a tough work, because of that you have to change your facial expression quickly or to cry on the spot.
I don't know lots of the background of this story. it seems that there was a tough time during revolution time in every country. I have to appreciate that I was born in this generation.
ChristopherFrom wiki I know that <the passion of Joan of Arc> is directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, and based on the trial records of Joan of Arc. The movie is outstanding by the direction and Renée Jeanne Falconetti's performance. Dreyer use the close-up to catch the facial features, which reminds me a great impression.
Renée Jeanne Falconetti has a very beautiful face structure, audience will be strongly attracted by her every emotional expression, and it happened to me that I feeling warm and cozy through her performance.
I believe that there are different level of expression, some are superficial, some are interior, Falconetti regards to the later one, it has so much meanings within her one-second facial feature, we may call it "holy".
EmilyThis film is a silent film. This film mainly focuses on the time after Joan of Arc was captured. This film expresses the imprisonment, torture and execution about her. The director uses many close-up shots of the expression of the character. Besides, we can notice that many scenes in this film are like the story of Jesus in Bible. The way the judge judges her and someone gives the water to Joan of Arc when she is under the cross. Through this film, we can know the attitude that the director has toward Joan of Arc- divinity.
Ida
Classified as a silent epic, The Passion of Joan of Arc compresses the whole process of the courageous and loyal Christian Joan's interrogation and execution. In order to strengthen its feelings, especially some inner spiritual feelings, the director uses close-up shots very frequently, also the actors do not wear make-up. Thus, we can easily get the idea from their facial expressions. One scene I remember the most is the soldiers cutting Joan's hair, the bursting tears are powerful. Also, when she is being tormented, mostly they are shot from low angles, it makes me think that the danger is coming nearer and nearer to me. Lastly, one thing ironic is that although close-up shots are used very frequently, I do think that this movie give us a feeling of isolation, it is because the actors looks a little bit boring, they seem to be blocked in the camera, they do not look lively and give us a sense of distance.
JeanetteI like the underscore very much. Since it is a silent movie, it will be great if the underscore match to the theme of the movie. The underscore help a lot in creating religious atmosphere and a sense of sacredness. In The Passion of Joan of Arc, close-ups are used throughout the film. And with a bit of low angle-shot sometimes (not sure if they are low-angle shots or not, all I notice is that the characters always look up a little in close-ups). But, instead of showing power (traditional low-angle effect) on the protagonist's face, I think I saw more vulnerable feelings. Also, due to the fact that there are always circle black showdown on the screen, I think the director want to show the film in someone's point of view (maybe the God).
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