The Last Duel

 Ridley Scott began his film directing career with The Duelists in 1977. And now, for the first of two films he has this year, Scott chronicles The Last Duel, based on Eric Jager's non-fiction book.

The screenplay is divided into three parts chronicling, Rashomon-style, the lead-up to one of the last Trial by Combats in France. Each part is written, in succession, by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Nicole Holofcener. Damon and Affleck also star as Jean de Carrouges and Count Pierre d'Alencon. Who are they?

 Well, during the 100-years War, Carrouges was a war hero serving alongside Squire Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver). They used to be pals until Le Gris met d'Alencon. The Count gives Le Gris a coveted captaincy and a piece of land both promised to Carrouges. Carrouges doesn't take it well. The last straw comes when Carrouges's wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Le Gris of raping her. Carrouges decides to throw down the gauntlet. Whoever wins is telling the truth, so says God.

But Le Gris' version portrays Carrouges as a petulant brute. Le Gris and Marguerite have a mutual attraction towards one another. He recognizes his sins after the deed. But in Marguerite's version, which the film emphasizes is the truth, neither man is a saintly paragon. Carrouges is a petulant brute who only married her for an heir and dowry. Le Gris, while somewhat attractive, isn't much better. She's not into the Trial by Combat either; especially since she'll be burned at the stake if her husband loses.

The film shows neither man as perfect in their POV-parts either. In example, Carrouges has no sympathy as his men flee a flaming arrow ambush, while Le Gris has no sympathy for Carrouges's complaints. Damon and Driver convincingly sell us on their characters' good natures. It's all upended when their true selves are revealed. Comer as Marguerite captivates us with her story all the way through. And who can blame her for not wanting the duel? Affleck, nearly unrecognizable with blond hair, is fine as the libertine Count. Harriet Walter as Carrouges's mother is harsh but we understand her worldview in the end.

Now we get to the technical side. The bloody battle scenes lose their luster pretty quickly. I was more stunned by the patriarchal stiffs' backwards statements than the routine stabbings. The best battle scene is the titular battle; even though I knew who won, it was still a suspenseful brawl. It's a strong scene thanks to editor Claire Simpson. The scenery filmed by cinematographer Dariusz Wolski is stunning. The costume and production designs are convincingly medieval. Harry-Gregson Williams's score is impressive, as is the sound design.

The Last Duel is a slow medieval drama. It's 152 minutes long so we have to get through a lot to that duel. That duel doesn't disappoint but about ten minutes could've been shaved off. Still, its present-day medieval commentary is commendable. It's better than nothing for a slow Sunday afternoon. So see it if you have nothing else to do.