It could not be more perfect.

Lesser films made from Joan’s story have fallen into the trap of turning the spiritual elements of her final moments into a melodramatic pastiche of supernatural encounters and tiresome battle scenes. Dreyer chooses not to exploit. His work is honest and to take any other approach would taint his audience’s perception of Joan. He shows only the trial set against the stark white walls of the courtroom; the face of actress Renée Falconetti says it all.

In the words of Béla Balázs, “[The Passion of Joan of Arc] has brought an attempt to present a drama of the spirit closer to realization than any stage play has ever been able to do.”