Jodie Comer & Ben Affleck Talk The 3 Sides Of ‘The Last Duel’

The Last Duel, the Ridley Scott-directed drama from 20th Century Studios, is now playing in theaters nationwide.

The film, starring Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Ben Affleck, is a gripping tale of betrayal and vengeance set against the brutality of 14th century France.

The Last Duel is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama set in the midst of the Hundred Years War that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth.

Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals.

The film was absolutely amazing, but it was Jodie’s portrayal of Marguerite de Carrouges that haunted my spirit hours after I left the theater.

The screenplay, written by Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Nicole Holocener, tells the story from three point-of-views…Jean, Jacques, and Marguerite, which required the actors to play three different versions of themselves.

Jodie said:

I think the most exciting aspect was the fact I’d never done it before.  And it was so new.  You know, usually, when you approach a character, it’s none of your concern, what the other character thinks of you.

You don’t have to worry about what they need from you.  Whereas, on this film, you really had to think about what the other actor, character, needed from you in that moment in order to for their story to ring true to them. 

You never have to usually think about that.  So, I think that was definitely exciting. 

Ben sang the praises of Jodie Comer and Adam Driver for their incredible performances in the film.

I certainly didn’t have a challenging role because my character exists predominantly in Adam Driver’s role.  Though, sort of the influence of my character pervades the other two.  But, Jodie and Adam had the most difficult.

I mean, the degree of difficulty of that performance, I think they’re very self-effacing, in a way.  You don’t really realize how hard it is to play three different characters.

And not only that, but to take these extraordinarily delicate, sensitive moments and to not sacrifice the integrity of your character.  Not sell it out for the other character.  And yet, still commit to playing a realistic version of that was extraordinarily brave, particularly for Jodie. 

And for Adam, who could have lapsed into, you know, just utter villainy.  And to imbue that with a humanity was an extraordinary challenge and an act of courage, I think. 

We would write the scenes the same way and believe that they were gonna be, not just good actors, but smart actors, who recognize that and were willing to do it.  And we got so lucky with two exquisite actors and performances in those roles.

Watch the trailer for The Last Duel below.