Islandic Filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason's 'Joan of Arc' Explores Childhood and Nature
Islandic filmmaker Hlynur Pálmason has released a unique, non-narrative film titled 'Joan of Arc'. The film is a visual exploration featuring Pálmason's three children, serving as a conceptual companion to his previous work 'The Love That Remains'.
Pálmason's 'Joan of Arc' begins with a figure initially referred to as 'he', later changing gender, and eventually dubbed 'Joan'. The film is a portrait of the children at play, a landscape study, and a contemplation on time and the elements. It showcases extreme changes of light and temperature, transforming the landscape.
The film ends with a visual punchline, scored by Isao Tomita's electronic version of Debussy. Production companies involved are STILL VIVID and Snowglobe, with international sales handled by New Europe Film Sales. It features sequences recognizable from 'The Love That Remains', including a discussion about their parents' sex life. Pálmason's two young sons, Grímur and Þorgils, build a figure and use it as a target for archery practice.
Pálmason's 'Joan of Arc' is a distinctive addition to his filmography, which includes 'A White, White Day', 'Godland', and his debut 'Winter Brothers'. Despite the title, it is important to note that this film is not a biographical account of Joan of Arc, but rather a conceptual piece exploring themes of childhood, family, and nature.
