Jodie Comer has opened up about how the most unsettling scenes were handled in The Last Duel. The film, due to release on October 15, is an adaptation of Eric Jager's novel by the same name and is based on true events. An adaptation of the book was discussed as far back as 2015, but the project faced repeated delays in development, exacerbated by further disruptions during production as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helmed by legendary Alien and Blade Runner director Ridley Scott, the new historical picture also stars Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Adam Driver. Other additions include Harriet Walter, Nathaniel Parker, Sam Hazeldine, Michael McElhatton, Alex Lawther, and Matt Csokas. The Last Duel follows the story of the last legally sanctioned duel in France, after Marguerite de Carrouges (Comer) accuses her husband's best friend of sexually assaulting her. Damon and Affleck co-wrote the project with Nicole Holofcener, marking the first time the duo have written together since 1997's Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting.
At a press conference held by 20th Century Studios, Comer opened up about how The Last Duel tried to handle its most unsettling scenes. Referring predominantly to the sensitivity of shooting an assault scene, Comer said they were mindful that some viewers would find it upsetting. Comer said that she believed they "shouldn't be gratuitous," but admitted such scenes could be "difficult to execute, and it can be difficult to watch." The actress added that difficult scenes shouldn't be shied away from, "as long as it's handled with care." Read Comer's full comments below:
"The sad part about this story is that you could say it for any part of history that's gone by. This story is relevant; they're extremely delicate subjects, and they need to be handled with sensitivity.
And I know, for me and all of us, especially in regards to the rape scenes themselves - they shouldn't be gratuitous. They had to be moving the story forward, and that was always at the front of everybody's, uh, minds. Because you know that there are gonna be many people who watch this film and, sadly, relate to it in some way. That can be difficult to execute, and it can be difficult to watch. But I believe we shouldn't shy away from it for that reason, as long as it's handled with care."
The Last Duel promises to be a raw and honest depiction of 14th century France, addressing real hardships experienced during the period, particularly by women. Comer's confession that sexual assault scenes were handled with sensitivity should perhaps come as no surprise from a production that tries to highlight the injustice and imbalance of society at that time, and focuses on a wife and husband who rally against it. Regardless of the film's overall reception, it seems a lot of consideration has gone into ensuring that the female voice in the film is heard, with Affleck and Damon bringing on Holofcener to ensure the female perspective is a central part of the script.
The Last Duel debuted at the Venice Film Festival in September to a mostly warm reception. Though reviews have been somewhat mixed, they have slanted more to the positive, with the feature securing a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. With the legendary director Ridley Scott at the helm, audiences should remain hopeful that this latest project will deliver a compelling historical film, while paying proper homage to the sensitive subject matter. Scott's track record with historical projects, outside of Gladiator, may not be quite as outstanding as his other work, but his reputation for powerfully emotive storytelling bodes well in this film. Ultimately, audiences will decide on October 15 if The Last Duel was worth the wait.
Source: 20th Century Studios
