The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a historical-biographical film directed by Luc Besson. The film portrays the life of Jeanne d’Arc, who lived in medieval France. Milla Jovovich stars in the leading role, alongside John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway, and Dustin Hoffman in significant supporting roles.

The narrative focuses on Jeanne d’Arc’s claimed divine visions, her mission to liberate France from invading forces, her role in military campaigns, and the Inquisition trial that followed. The screenplay includes several fictionalized elements; for instance, the scene where Jeanne witnesses her sister being killed by the English is not based on historical fact.

Upon release, the film underperformed commercially. With a production budget of $85 million, it grossed $14.2 million in the United States and $52.7 million in international markets, reaching a global total of $66.9 million. Critics offered mixed reviews, especially regarding the film’s historical accuracy, narrative style, and casting choices.

^{Offical trailer}

Plot

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc follows the life of Jeanne d’Arc from her childhood to her death in the 15th century. The film depicts her early spiritual experiences, which begin with claims of receiving divine messages, her determination to free France from English occupation, and her rise as a military leader. A central part of the story is Jeanne’s effort to have the Dauphin Charles crowned king, her influence on the battlefield, and particularly the Siege of Orléans.

The film also addresses Jeanne’s trial and her condemnation by the Inquisition for heresy. While dramatizing her auditory and visual visions, the film explores various interpretations of their authenticity and psychological roots. Through a character named “The Conscience,” portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, Jeanne’s faith and understanding of her divine mission are questioned. The film concludes with the judicial process that leads to her execution at a young age.

^{Movie scene}

Theme

The main theme of the film revolves around faith and personal mission. It centers on Jeanne d’Arc’s profound belief that she was acting under divine guidance, her decisions driven by that belief, and the societal, religious, and political resistance she faced. The boundary between faith and madness forms the core philosophical question of the film. Jeanne’s visions and the inner guidance she identifies as “the voice of God” are explored from both religious and psychological perspectives.

Another major theme is the conflict between individual and institutional authority. Jeanne is portrayed as a solitary figure acting on faith, standing against both the French nobility and religious authorities. Her determination and isolation are especially emphasized during the Inquisition trial. The film also addresses how political interests and religious dogmas can suppress an individual’s perception of truth.

Cast and Characters

Milla Jovovich (Jeanne d’Arc): Portrays the film’s main character, Jeanne d’Arc. Jovovich’s depiction presents Jeanne as a young woman who experiences visions, acts on her faith, and leads the French army. Throughout the film, she stands out for her deep religious conviction, unwavering determination in battle, and resistance during the Inquisition trial.

^{Jeanne d’Arc, movie scene}

John Malkovich (Dauphin Charles / King Charles VII): Plays Charles, heir to the French throne. In the film, he is portrayed as a political figure who ascends to the throne with Jeanne’s support and later influences her fate.

Faye Dunaway (Yolande of Aragon): Appears as Charles’s mother and a powerful figure in the royal court. She plays a prominent role during Jeanne’s early interactions with the court through her political influence.

Dustin Hoffman (The Conscience): An allegorical character representing Jeanne’s inner doubts and moral questioning. The character challenges Jeanne’s visions and beliefs, symbolizing her inner turmoil and employing a Socratic method of inquiry.

Tchéky Karyo (Jean de Dunois): One of the French commanders who fights alongside Jeanne in battle. He plays a key role in leading and coordinating the military forces.

Vincent Cassel (Gilles de Rais): Plays another French knight who stands with Jeanne. Throughout the film, he becomes increasingly skeptical of her decisions, offering a more conflicted perspective.

Production

The film was directed by French filmmaker Luc Besson and released internationally through Columbia Tristar. Both the screenplay and visual style reflect Besson’s background in action and science fiction cinema. For instance, Milla Jovovich, who starred in The Fifth Element (1997), once again takes the lead in this production. Although the story is set in 15th-century France, the film’s narrative and aesthetic choices are modern in tone.

To convey the destructive atmosphere of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England, the production utilized large-scale battle scenes, close-up facial shots, and rapidly shifting camera angles. These cinematographic choices aim to reflect both the physical violence of war and Jeanne’s psychological and spiritual intensity.

Box Office Performance

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc underperformed at the box office upon its release in 1999. Despite a production budget of approximately $85 million, the film earned only $14,276,317 in the U.S. domestic market. International earnings totaled $52,700,000, bringing the global box office gross to $66,976,317.

The film opened in 2,147 theaters across the United States, earning $6,360,968 during its opening weekend. Despite its wide release, this initial performance suggested that the film would not recoup its production costs. It remained in theaters for a total of 59 weeks, but failed to achieve the commercial success necessary to break even.

Awards

Upon its release, The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc received several award nominations and won a number of accolades:

César Awards (2000):

• Best Costume Design – Catherine Leterrier
• Best Sound – François Groult, Bruno Tarrière, Vincent Tulli

Lumières Awards (2000):

• Best Film
• Best Director – Luc Besson

Golden Reel Award:

• Best Sound Editing: Foreign Film