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| Matt Damon goes with the medieval mullet in The Last Duel |
The film has a three part structure similar to that of Rashomon. Both films revolve around a rape. Rashomon is a taut 88 minutes whereas The Last Duel meanders repeatedly through back stories for over two and a half hours. The film never drops dead, but could have used some pruning.
The project began as a script by its co-stars Ben Affleck and Matt Damon who were inspired by Eric Jager's book. Nicole Holofcener was brought in to bring a more feminine slant to the screenplay. Jodie Comer plays Marguerite, uneasily wed to the volatile knight. Sir Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon). Marguerite is assaulted by Sir Jean's former comrade in arms, Jacques le Gris (Adam Driver). Sir Jean decides that the only way to preserve his own dignity and, secondarily, uphold his wife's virtue, is to challenge Jacques to a trial by combat. The script narrowly skirts an ahistorical "me too" knowingness. The dialogue is not embarrassing, but never altogether believable.
The leads, though, seem comfortable and well-cast. Adam Driver subtly brings out the brutishness of Jacques. Ben Affleck delightfully inhabits a drunken playboy. Damon's stolidity comes in handy as he offers an intelligent portrayal of stupid man. Jodie Comer is adequate. Despite Ms. Holofcener's efforts, her character barely registers. The opening sequence, where Marguerite dons endless layers of clothing, suggest how stifled the fairer sex were in the Middle Ages.
Director Scott ably captures the period atmosphere of the late 14th century. Few films have captured so well the poor hygiene of the era. Scenes of combat and battle are well handled. However, as in all but the best of Scott's films, the psychological conflicts of the characters seem secondary to the spectacle. The Last Duel is well drawn, but lacks any sense of interiority.
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