Brad Pitt Reveals His All-Time Favourite Classic Film

Brad Pitt has named a 1928 French silent film as his all-time favourite classic movie. During an interview for a recent project, Pitt was asked about classical Hollywood cinema and cited The Passion of Joan of Arc as his pick.

The Passion of Joan of Arc (French: La Passion de Jeanne d’Arc) was directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer and stars Renée Jeanne Falconetti as Joan. The film tells the story of Joan of Arc’s trial and execution during her captivity by the English.

It is widely regarded as a landmark in cinema, especially praised for its direction, production, and Falconetti’s extraordinary performance.

Danish director Dreyer spent more than a year researching Joan of Arc and the transcripts of her trial before writing the screenplay.

He cast stage actress Falconetti, who delivered what many scholars call one of the finest performances in film history.

The movie was shot on a massive concrete set designed to replicate medieval Rouen prison. Dreyer avoided make-up on the actors and used lighting that exaggerated their features, creating a raw and intense look.

The film faced controversy in France before its release. Some nationalists questioned whether a Danish director could properly tell the story of one of France’s most revered historical figures.

Religious authorities also demanded cuts, concerned about how Joan and English soldiers were depicted. For decades, various versions of the film circulated, until Dreyer’s original cut was rediscovered in 1981 at Dikemark Hospital in Norway and re-released.

Despite early financial struggles, the film was a critical success. The New York Times reviewer Mordaunt Hall praised it as “…as a film work of art this takes precedence over anything that has so far been produced… It fills one with such intense admiration that other pictures appear but trivial in comparison.”

Hall also singled out Falconetti’s performance, calling it “the gifted performance…that rises above everything in this artistic achievement.”

Though Variety initially criticized the film as “a deadly tiresome picture,” its reputation has grown steadily over the decades. In 1929, The National Board of Review named it one of the year’s best foreign films.

The Passion of Joan of Arc is recognized today as one of the greatest films ever made. It influenced generations of filmmakers and remains a key study in acting, cinematography, and historical storytelling. As of 2024, the film entered the public domain in the United States, making it widely accessible to audiences worldwide.

Pitt’s admiration for the film reflects his appreciation for performances and storytelling that stand the test of time. It’s a silent film that continues to move audiences nearly a century after its release.

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