Ridley Scott, now into his 80's, shows no sign of letting up with two films being released in a matter of months. The Last Duel is the first of these films, based on a true story where Knight Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) challenges his former friend Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a duel after Jean's wife Marguerite (Jodie Comer) accuses Le Gris of rape. Told through three different viewpoints, the way in which this disturbing story is depicted is creative with an ending that showcases Scott at his finest.
Written by Elliot Lines
The Last Duel is played out across three different points of view. An interesting way to structure a film, but essentially gives the chance to tell the full story. Scenes are re-used across the film but there are slight differences in the way in which the character tells this story. For the most part the recounted scenes work, but there is the one disturbing scene in particular that doesn't need to be seen twice. Overall, this way of structuring the film allows the actors to show their range in these roles.
Extravagant hair pieces aside, the cast is stacked with talent that are on full form throughout, their characters change from each chapter to the next, which requires a cast that is adaptable, but only ever so slightly. Comer shows her full range throughout each individual characters POV, Marguerite's emotions in certain scenarios are immediately recognisable thanks to Comers fine performance. Adam Driver is someone that seems to be everywhere at the moment, and for good reason. This is a performance that many actors may shy away from due to the subject matter, but Driver dives into the role without hesitation. His characters relationship with Count Pierre d'Alençon (Ben Affleck) is built throughout the film and these two actors bounce off each other throughout.
The final moments of this film is where Ridley Scott really shines, showing his masterwork in this type of environment. Channelling all his experience from Gladiator, Scott provides an epic finale that satisfies the title The Last Duel, with plenty at stake for all characters involved. This battle between Damon and Driver's characters is bloody and brutal, really emphasising what is a stake for the both of them if one were to lose.
There is a dull aesthetic across The Last Duel, but with the subject matter and being set in the 1300's, it sets the tone perfectly. Told by using an interesting POV structure, allows the story to be told in full, all leading to a final bout where Ridley Scott is at his best.