THE MAKING OF THE LAST DUEL
Behind the Scenes - Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Matt Damon
The latest trailer from the set of 20th Century Studios’ The Last Duel is a featurette on the making of the historical drama.
Director Ridley Scott (“Blade Runner”, “Alien”) takes us behind the scenes and into his thought process on setting the stage for the Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon-written, Jodie Comer, Adam Driver and Matt Damon-led epic:
“Every scene has to have a stake. Large or small.”
The director makes it clear he leaves no room for insignificant dialog or action. Every frame moves with purpose; from fight scenes and equally contentious arguments between friends, lovers and confidante, to moments of solemn contemplation. There is tension in every moment, painted in light and shadow like a medieval Tenebrist painting.
Scott also highlights the importance of dynamic storytelling:
“Dynamic is a good word. Dynamic can either be a fast moving car, something falling, a change of page, or just something we didn’t expect.” (In the background we hear a long silence, followed by Jodie Comer’s Marguerite de Carrouges uttering the words, “I am telling the truth”. An excited audience gasps and a presiding figure offers his muted response, “we will proceed with the duel”.).
Based on a true story from 14th century France, The Last Duel emerges on the heels of the #MeToo movement, positioning itself and the issue of women’s rights as a timelessly relevant narrative.
Jodie Comer’s character is a woman whose life hangs in the balance after she names her attacker as Jacques LeGris (Adam Driver). The patriarchal tradition of the day forces her husband (Jean de Carrouges, played by Damon) and the accused LeGris (Driver) to battle to the death less as a means to reclaim her honor, and more to salvage their own.
As Scott emphasizes: “The message, [what I want the audience to walk away knowing], is simple.”
The Last Duel will be released in the United States on October 15th, 2021.
