Baz Luhrmann’s Joan of Arc Movie Has Been in the Works for 30 Years: ‘I Was Waiting for the Right Time’ to Tell This ‘Ultimate Teenage Girl Coming-of-Age Story’

As a fan with a keen interest in cinema history and an admiration for visionary directors who dare to take on epic tales, I find myself deeply intrigued by Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming adaptation of Joan of Arc. With his unique storytelling prowess and Catherine Martin’s meticulous attention to detail, this project promises to be a visual feast that will breathe new life into the story of France’s national heroine.

Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Joan of Arc movie has been in the works for decades.

For thirty years, this topic has been a subject of conversation for him,” Catherine Martin, his wife and collaborator, shared with me during our chat at the LACMA Art+Film Gala, an event that celebrated both Luhrmann and artist Simone Leigh.

16-year-old Joan of Arc emerged as a legendary figure when she successfully guided the French military to conquer Orléans in 1429, only to be executed by burning at the stake in 1431. Warner Bros. announced last September that Luhrmann will direct the sweeping narrative about France’s iconic heroine and saint Joan of Arc.

The movie is inspired by the 1974 novel “Blood Red, Sister Rose,” written by Thomas Keneally, the acclaimed author of “Schindler’s List,” which tells the story of Joan of Arc.

Luhrmann expressed that he initially considered tales about Alexander the Great and Napoleon, but then discovered a compelling urge to share a unique coming-of-age story. This epic teenage girl’s journey unfolds amidst a century-long war. She’s a courageous young woman from a humble background who challenges a 25-year-old king, promising to unite the nation and ascend him to the throne. It’s this sense of inspiration, this uplifting message that resonates today. Just as previous generations paved the way, we must now create room for new voices, nurture fresh energy, and empower these emerging talents to break through the barriers and transform our world.

Baz Luhrmann’s Joan of Arc Movie Has Been in the Works for 30 Years: ‘I Was Waiting for the Right Time’ to Tell This ‘Ultimate Teenage Girl Coming-of-Age Story’

As for me, I’m in the midst of a thorough, impartial search for the ideal candidate to fill the lead role. Similar to Elvis, I follow my own unique method. This entails examining all potential talents without bias and putting in the hard work. It’s a journey of discovery, and that’s exactly what I’m embarking on at this moment.

Martin mentioned she’s been meticulously planning the movie design by visiting crucial sites in France associated with Joan of Arc, like her birthplace Domrémy. “It’s quite intriguing,” she said, “as people often discuss her as a shepherdess, but her father was actually the leader of the town, and they owned the only stone house. This suggests a certain level of refinement in their household. I find this topic incredibly captivating, especially considering the current feelings of disempowerment among the youth. I believe Joan experienced similar sentiments. And as a mother of a teenage daughter, I’ve come to understand that when teen girls set their minds on something, they can achieve anything – they have the power to transform the world.

Joan of Arc’s tale has been retold on screen numerous times, with Luc Besson’s “The Messenger: The Tale of Joan of Arc,” featuring Milla Jovovich, being one example. In addition, the French drama “Jeanne,” directed by Bruno Dumont and starring Lise Leplat Prudhomme, debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

2024-11-05 06:46

Baz Luhrmann’s Joan of Arc Movie Has Been in the Works for 30 Years: ‘I Was Waiting for the Right Time’ to Tell This ‘Ultimate Teenage Girl Coming-of-Age Story’

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