Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Return to Cinema (take two) 2021 - The Last Duel

The Last Duel is a long ass film! Also my third film over one long ass weekend. So let's get it!

Directed by Ridley Scott based on the 2004 book The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager. 

Set in medieval France, the film stars Matt Damon as Jean de Carrouges, a knight who challenges his friend and squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a judicial duel after Carrouges's wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Le Gris of raping her; Affleck also stars in a supporting role as Count Pierre d'Alençon.

The film received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and production values. However, it bombed at the box office, grossing $19 million against a production budget of $100 million.


I can see why it bombed. The film is broken into three parts. From three perspectives. The only problem is some of the scenes are completely replayed. The dialogue shared with the audience three times over.

OK so I saw three films this past weekend gone. I went from zero to 100 with the movie going. It took me a minute to get back to the cinema, once I did it was on for young and old.

The Last Duel though really didn't do it for me sadly. Matt Damon is just a bit much. Jodie Comer was awesome whilst there is something about Adam Driver from Girls.

If it's warm this weekend, there is nothing else to see, maybe give The Last Duel a go. 2.5 passable stars.

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