The Last Duel
The Last Duel is a 2021 historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon.
The Last Duel is a 2021 historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon. Set in 14th-century France, it dramatises the events leading to a judicial duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques le Gris after Marguerite de Carrouges accuses le Gris of rape.
Plot basis
The film dramatizes a real 14th-century French case involving accusations of sexual assault, land disputes, and a judicial duel. It centers on Jean de Carrouges, Jacques le Gris, and Marguerite de Carrouges.
Production
The screenplay was written by Nicole Holofcener, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon, adapting Eric Jager’s historical book. Ridley Scott directed the film for 20th Century Studios.
Release
The Last Duel premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2021 and was released in theatres in October 2021 in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Critical framing
Reviews described the film as a medieval drama with themes of power, justice, violence, and gendered oppression. Several sources noted its multi-perspective structure and comparison to *Rashomon*.
Key facts
- Based on Eric Jager’s nonfiction book about the 1386 duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques le Gris.
- Presents the story through multiple perspectives, a structure associated with *Rashomon*-style storytelling.
- Jodie Comer plays Marguerite de Carrouges, whose accusation drives the plot.
- Directed by Ridley Scott and released by 20th Century Studios.
- Premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 10 September 2021 and released theatrically in October 2021.
The film was distributed internationally by 20th Century Studios and received coverage in Canadian media, including reviews and release reporting relevant to Canadian audiences.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Last Duel about?
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Duel_(2021_film)Supports: Director, writers, cast, basis on Eric Jager’s book, setting, and plot overview.
- 20th Century Studios — https://www.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/the-last-duelSupports: Official description, director, cast, and basis on actual events.
- Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-last-duel/umc.cmc.5pn94vkq8936chiiqsyo52bc1Supports: Synopsis and main cast.
- The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/oct/14/the-last-duel-review-storytelling-with-gusto-in-ridley-scotts-medieval-epicSupports: Historical context, release timing, and adaptation background.
- NPR — https://www.npr.org/2021/10/15/1045633461/the-last-duel-movie-reviewSupports: Multi-perspective structure and adaptation from Eric Jager’s book.
- Deadline — https://deadline.com/2021/09/the-last-duel-movie-review-ridley-scott-matt-damon-adam-driver-jodie-comer-1234830955/Supports: Venice premiere, three-perspective structure, and release information.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_last_duel_2021Supports: General thematic description and dramatic framing.