The screenplay is was written by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon. The writing was creative in that it provided three contradictory perspectives, formatted as distinct chapters, for each of the main characters. Shalini Langer for The Indian Express described the key he themes perfectly as the “delusions of men, the idea of consent and the often greater price of speaking up for women” against their oppressors. These themes are sadly still very relevant, even over 700 years later.
Even though the script was well written I was disappointed that there was no French spoken. The characters are supposed to be French but the main actors were all American or British and spoke in their native accents, which I felt was lazy in the direction of these characters.
I thought that the hair, makeup and costumes well done and fit the era perfectly. The fight sequences were also gritty and choreographed quite well. The only distraction for me was Ben Affleck’s character, Count Pierre d'Alençon, as a blonde. I know based off of his interviews that he wanted this character to separate himself from everyone else, because of his royal rank, with the distinct hair color but this choice was not a good one. He should have either gone a different shade of blonde or just done a different color all together.
The entire cast did well playing off one another but for me Jodi Comer stole the show. I’ve been a fan of Comer’s since her portrayal of Elizabeth of York in the 2017 Starz historical miniseries, The White Princess. In this role she really gave such great range and believability. You really felt for her character and the immense pressure and stress she was under during these times.
Even though this didn’t top Ridley Scott’s best work, Gladiator, it was still very well made and thought provoking. The Last Duel is definitely a film worth checking out.
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