Is The Last Duel Based on a true story? Ending Explained, Plot, Release Date, Trailer and More
by Venkatesh P | Updated Aug 08, 2023
Is The Last Duel Based On A True Story?
Yes, "The Last Duel" is indeed based on a true story, specifically chronicled in Eric Jager's 2004 nonfiction book titled "The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France." The film, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, revolves around the last government-sanctioned trial by combat in France, involving Jean de Carrouges and his former friend, Jacques Le Gris.
The story unfolds after Carrouges' wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of rape, leading to a deadly duel where Marguerite's life is at stake if it's proven she had lied. While the film adheres closely to historical facts, the filmmakers also make some alterations to highlight concepts of consent and perspective. Despite some dramatization, the movie is considered to be at least 75 percent historically accurate, with attention to period details such as characters' haircuts and societal norms.
The film delves into the lives of these historical figures and explores the roles and experiences of women in that era. While the movie fictionalizes certain aspects to enhance the narrative, it remains a powerful exploration of an assault and a justice system rooted in sexism and misogyny, which continues to resonate with modern audiences.
The filmmakers aimed to generate empathy and compassion, emphasizing that different individuals may perceive the same situation differently, yet only one truth prevails. By bringing Marguerite's perspective to the forefront and showing the societal challenges she faced, the film also sheds light on the enduring struggles of women throughout history.
Women's Role in Medieval France and Its Portrayal in The Last Duel
Women in medieval France held a subordinate position and encountered various difficulties due to societal norms and restrictions. Their legal status deemed them the property of their husbands, granting them limited rights and independence under the control of male relatives. Marriage served primarily as an economic and political arrangement, and women were expected to fulfill domestic roles and bear children.
Education and career opportunities were scarce for women, and they were expected to uphold virtues like chastity, obedience, and piety, while adherence to societal norms determined their standing. Women lacked legal agency, often unable to own property or make decisions without male consent. In "The Last Duel," the film delves into the challenges faced by women in medieval France, spotlighting Marguerite de Carrouges' struggle against Jacques Le Gris in a male-dominated justice system.
While the movie takes some creative liberties, it aims to create empathy for women's experiences during that time, showcasing their courage and resilience in challenging societal norms. Overall, "The Last Duel" depicts the historical context of women's lives while highlighting their strength and agency within the constraints of their era.
Exploring Gender Roles in Medieval France in The Last Duel
"The Last Duel" delves into the theme of gender roles in medieval France, shedding light on the obstacles and limitations confronted by women during that period. The film portrays various aspects of gender roles as follows:
Patriarchal Society:
The movie depicts a society where men hold dominant positions, and women are placed in subordinate roles. Women are expected to conform to their roles as wives and mothers, with their legal status resembling property belonging to their husbands.
Limited Agency:
Women's agency is severely restricted, and they often find it challenging to make decisions or take action without the involvement or consent of male relatives. Their voices and testimonies are frequently overlooked or undervalued in legal matters.
Social Expectations:
Women are burdened with societal expectations and are supposed to embody virtues such as chastity, obedience, and piety. Their reputation and social standing hinge on their adherence to these norms.
Sexual Violence:
The film also addresses the issue of sexual violence against women and the hurdles they encounter in seeking justice. Marguerite's accusation of rape against Jacques Le Gris is met with skepticism and hostility within a justice system dominated by men.
Women's Courage:
Despite the oppressive circumstances, the film highlights the courage and resilience of women like Marguerite, who challenge societal norms and fight for justice despite the odds stacked against them.
Overall, "The Last Duel" portrays the gender roles in medieval France as oppressive and limiting for women. The movie brings attention to the societal challenges faced by women and the power dynamics within marriages. It emphasizes the bravery and determination of female characters within the constraints of their time, revealing the struggles of women during that era and their enduring impact.
Outcome of the Trial by Combat: Jean De Carrouges vs. Jacques Le Gris
In the trial by combat between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, the ultimate outcome was in favor of Carrouges, who emerged as the victor. This duel occurred on December 29, 1386, with the purpose of determining the guilt or innocence of Le Gris, who had been accused of raping Carrouges' wife, Marguerite. King Charles VI authorized the duel after Carrouges appealed the decision of Count Pierre d'Alençon, as he believed the count favored Le Gris. Carrouges won the duel, leading to the subsequent execution of Le Gris. This duel marked the final government-sanctioned trial by combat in France, even though duels for honor continued to persist. The movie "The Last Duel" closely adheres to the historical account of this trial by combat, while also introducing certain modifications to emphasize notions of consent and perspective.
Filmmakers' Approach to Addressing Rape in The Last Duel
The creators of "The Last Duel" tackled the delicate subject of rape with a thoughtful and sensitive approach, aiming to maintain historical accuracy while also emphasizing the story's relevance to contemporary times. They employed several strategies in handling this topic:
Multiple Perspectives:
The film artfully presents the narrative from various viewpoints, including those of Jean de Carrouges, Jacques Le Gris, and Marguerite de Thibouville. This Rashomon-style technique provides the audience with diverse angles to comprehend the intricacies of the events.
Historical Accuracy:
The filmmakers diligently sought historical accuracy in depicting the events and societal norms of medieval France. Their consultation with historians and experts ensured the film's authentic portrayal of that era.
Modern Relevance:
Despite its medieval setting, the film also sheds light on modern-day relevance, exploring issues of consent, power dynamics, and the challenges women encounter when seeking justice for sexual assault.
Empathy and Compassion:
A central aim of the filmmakers was to evoke empathy and compassion for the characters, particularly Marguerite, who emerges as a courageous woman challenging the patriarchal society to pursue justice.
Avoiding Misrepresentation:
The filmmakers were careful not to conflate rape with love or depict sexual violence in any way that might be misconstrued as romantic or desirable. They approached scenes of rape with respect and sensitivity towards survivors.
In conclusion, the creators of "The Last Duel" skillfully handled the sensitive issue of rape, combining historical accuracy, respect, and relevance to captivate the audience and shed light on the societal struggles faced by women both in medieval France and in present times.
Is The Last Duel Based On A True Story - FAQs
Yes, the film is based on a true story chronicled in a nonfiction book by Eric Jager.
The film portrays a patriarchal society where women had limited agency and were expected to conform to social expectations.
Jean de Carrouges emerged victorious in the trial by combat, leading to the execution of Jacques Le Gris.
The filmmakers approached the topic with historical accuracy, multiple perspectives, empathy, and sensitivity to avoid misrepresentation.
The film showcases the struggles of women like Marguerite, who dared to challenge societal norms and seek justice in a male-dominated society.