The Last Duel Review: An outstanding Ridley Scott film for the post-MeToo era

Scott tells a brutal, tragic story with a convincing screenplay that throws many a surprise

Bhuvanesh Chandar

(Originally published on 23rd October 2021)

The male has constantly tried to wrest control over the world, and this is why even though Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel is set in the medieval 14th century world (and is based on a real story), it wouldn’t have to be changed even a bit, if set today.

In 1386 France, a headstrong knight, Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), challenges Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) for a duel to death. Le Gris is Carrouges’ former friend, a squire and a captain of Lord Pierre d’Alençon (Ben Affleck), and he is facing the accusation of raping Carrouges’ wife, Lady Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer). All of France now believes that justice will be served through God’s will. The Last Duel’s trump card here is that it brings together the screenwriters, Affleck, Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, to tell the story using the Rashomon effect: The story is told through multiple perspectives. We see the series of events that lead up to the brutal crime from the perspective of Carrouges, Le Gris and the victim, Lady Marguerite.

Carrouges’s story sets up this world and helps us understand the series of events. Much like many other Ridley Scott movies, we are instantly pulled into his world. Carrouges is a born-to-rule, hardened soldier whose only aim is to inherit his father’s fort and raise an heir to the family. The braveheart’s moments of chivalry, patriotism, love, insecurity, and fight for justice are juxtaposed quite brilliantly to depict his life. From the middle of a gruesome war, we are immediately pulled back to a serene backdrop, and vice-versa. These meticulously cut portions of Carrouges’ life feel important later on as well.

It is only when we see the second perspective……

READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:

https://www.cinemaexpress.com/english/review/2021/oct/23/the-last-duel-review-an-outstanding-ridley-scott-film-for-the-post-metoo-era-27457.html