The Last Duel (2021) The Film Buff Review of a Ridley Scott Masterpiece

Welcome to the Film Buff Review of The Last Duel (2021) – A Ridley Scott Masterpiece!

In this passionate and eye-opening episode, Peter A. DeLuca (AKAPAD) delivers a full-throated defense of Ridley Scott’s bold, underappreciated historical drama The Last Duel. Describing the viewing experience as a “slow-motion head explosion,” AKAPAD argues that this film is not only one of the best movies of 2021, but a true cinematic masterpiece that deserved far more critical acclaim and Oscar recognition than it received.

Starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, and Ben Affleck (who also co-wrote the screenplay with Damon and Nicole Holofcener), the film tells the same explosive story from three different perspectives in a gripping “he said, she said” structure. Set against the bleak, muddy backdrop of medieval France, it tackles themes of truth, justice, honor, and sexual assault with raw power — especially resonant as it was released during the height of the Me Too movement.

AKAPAD praises the film’s massive production value (looking like a $300 million epic on a $100 million budget), the incredible performances (especially Jodie Comer’s standout work), Harry Gregson-Williams’ score, and Dariusz Wolski’s painterly cinematography. He also places it within Ridley Scott’s legendary filmography and Matt Damon & Ben Affleck’s ongoing legacy run.

Prepare for a powerful, thought-provoking ride through medieval France — one that still sticks with you long after the final duel. A must-listen for fans of smart historical dramas, Ridley Scott, or anyone who loves films that dare to challenge and provoke.

[00:00:01]
Summary of Initial Impressions and Overall Reaction to The Last Duel (2021):
The speaker describes watching Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel as akin to a “slow motion head explosion,” expressing profound disbelief that the movie did not receive Oscar recognition or widespread critical acclaim. The film features Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who are praised as one of the greatest film duos both in front of and behind the camera. The speaker is similarly shocked that Ridley Scott is not universally hailed as the greatest filmmaker of his generation, given his extensive and impactful body of work. The film is described as a masterpiece deserving more attention and respect from critics.

Key points:

• The Last Duel is considered a masterwork that did not receive the recognition it merits.
• Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s collaborative legacy is emphasized, particularly their chemistry and influence in cinema.
• Ridley Scott is viewed as an underappreciated cinematic genius of his generation.

[00:00:43]
Ridley Scott’s Filmography and Critical Reception:
Ridley Scott’s prolific output is highlighted, noting his ability to release multiple films in a single calendar year—a rare feat that suggests extraordinary productivity. Despite this, the speaker notes that critics often take a harsh, perfectionist stance on Scott’s films: if a film is not perfect, it is often dismissed. However, Scott’s career includes several universally acclaimed works across genres.

Notable films mentioned:

• Legend with Tom Cruise (fantasy genre standout)
• Blade Runner (science fiction classic)
• Alien (genre-defining horror/sci-fi)
• Black Hawk Down (remarked as possibly the greatest war movie of all time)
• Gladiator (historical epic)
• Napoleon (noted for its length and complexity)
• Kingdom of Heaven (related aesthetically and thematically to The Last Duel)

Key insight:

• Scott’s body of work spans a wide range of genres and styles, many of which have become definitive in their categories.

[00:01:39]
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Collaboration Post-Good Will Hunting and Air:
The speaker traces the legacy of Affleck and Damon beyond their breakthrough with Good Will Hunting, pointing out their continued influence and collaboration in Hollywood. While Good Will Hunting and Air are often the focus when discussing their careers, The Last Duel serves as a sort of spiritual or thematic follow-up, particularly in terms of legacy and collaboration.

Important notes:

• The Last Duel is positioned as a successor to their earlier works, carrying forward themes and showcasing their matured artistry.
• The film resonates deeply, particularly its ending, which leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

[00:04:05]
Narrative Structure and Social Context of The Last Duel:
The film is structured in two main chapters, often described as “he said, she said,” presenting differing perspectives of the central conflict. This narrative choice is significant and adds to the film’s thematic richness.

Contextual significance:

• Released amid the Me Too movement, the film is described as a “social justice warrior” movie, a label that is acknowledged but ultimately overshadowed by the strength of the story itself.
• The timing of the release during the Me Too era adds credibility and relevance to the film’s themes.

Production details:

• Budget was approximately $100 million, but the film’s cinematic quality and scale give the impression of a $300 million production.
• The setting is bleak, primarily in France, with subdued lighting and a somber atmosphere that impacts the viewer subliminally.

[00:05:36]
Character Portrayals and Cinematic Elements:

• Matt Damon’s character is depicted as a ruthless mercenary who rises to knighthood.
• Adam Driver’s character suffers a brutal fate in the duel, which leaves a strong emotional impact on the audience.
• The female lead, who makes the central accusation, is portrayed with great skill and nuance—her performance is described as “incredible.”
• Composer Harry Gregson-Williams and cinematographer Dariusz Wolski are credited for their exemplary work, with Wolski’s cinematography compared to a painter’s art.

The speaker asserts that The Last Duel is likely the best film of 2021 and should have won multiple Oscars.

[00:06:40]
Ridley Scott’s Artistic Identity and Recent Work:
The speaker reflects on Ridley Scott’s dual nature as both an auteur with a distinct artistic vision and a pragmatic filmmaker who produces commercially viable movies. Scott is described metaphorically as a “two-headed dragon,” embodying both artistic and commercial sensibilities.

Recent films mentioned (some not yet seen by the speaker):

• Robin Hood (2010)
• All the Money in the World (2017) – eagerly anticipated to watch
• Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
• Hannibal (2001)
• Black Hawk Down (2001)

This commentary places The Last Duel within the broader context of Scott’s career, affirming its importance and artistic weight.

[00:08:28]
Final Thoughts and Call to Action:
The speaker concludes by reaffirming the importance of The Last Duel as a film intrinsically connected to the Me Too movement, granting it significant cultural and social impact beyond its cinematic merits. The speaker challenges the audience to acknowledge the film’s value and not to dismiss it, emphasizing it as a “win” (W) for cinema and social discourse.

Timeline Table of Key Points

Definitions and Concepts

Key Insights

• The Last Duel is an underappreciated masterpiece that deserves significant critical and awards recognition.
• Ridley Scott’s extensive and diverse filmography cements him as a leading filmmaker of his generation, though critics often unfairly apply impossible standards.
• The collaboration of Affleck and Damon in The Last Duel is a mature evolution of their early work, reflecting deep themes of justice and legacy.
• The film’s release during the Me Too movement adds thematic weight and relevance, positioning it as a culturally significant work.
• Technical elements such as cinematography and music enhance the film’s immersive and haunting atmosphere.
• Scott’s ability to create both artistically ambitious and commercially successful films is a defining characteristic of his career.

Summary

Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel (2021) is hailed by the speaker as a cinematic masterpiece that did not receive the recognition it deserved from critics and award bodies. The film’s narrative structure, splitting perspectives between the accuser and the accused, resonates deeply, especially given its release amid the Me Too movement. The collaboration between Ben Affleck and Matt Damon is seen as a significant legacy project, evolving their careers beyond earlier successes. Ridley Scott’s broad and prolific filmography showcases his versatility and impact on cinema, though critical reception has often been unforgiving. The movie’s production quality, atmosphere, and performances are lauded, with particular emphasis on Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and the female lead’s roles. Ultimately, the film is positioned as both a socially and artistically important work, urging viewers and critics alike to give it the attention and respect it merits.

00:00:01
the best way for me to describe what it was like for me to watch to finally watch the 2021 the last St D directed by redley Scott is a slow motion head explosion I just couldn’t believe this movie as I was watching I I couldn’t believe it’s not an Oscar winner I couldn’t believe we’re not on right record of saying that Ben Affleck and Matt Damon are two of the greatest film Duos of all time on on the camera in front of the camera and back of the camera I’m shocked that we’re not

00:00:43
universally hailing Ridley Scott as the greatest filmmaker of any generation of all time and then I’m just shocked that in general the last duel isn’t on the the minds and the lips and in the hearts of fellow film critics as being one of today’s best all of these things happened so I recently watched this movie I think it’s a masterpiece time to get into it quiet on theam speed down production one [Music] action if we uh look at the the filmography just the list of Ridley Scott he double dipped meaning two films in

00:01:39
one calendar year he’s double dipped so many times you think Ridley Scott is two three four five or six people it’s amazing when we look at his productivity I believe the way a lot of the film critic World throughout time and history on planet Earth they look at a lot of his films very critically uh it really is if it’s not perfect it’s just not good and it’s gone Legend with Tom Cruz is still one of the all-time great fantasy anything of all time I don’t care what you say sure Blade Runner and

00:02:31
alien Black Rain match Stickman black Hulk down maybe the greatest war movie of all time certainly one of my favorites of all time of course we have Gladiator laser Napoleon if you watch the 4H hour vers the full version of Napoleon uh it’s head spinning that’s not an Oscar Forerunner front runner King uh Kingdom of Heaven which is somewhat of a brother sister it’s a it’s adjacent to this movie just as a piece of art and then we get Matt Damon Ben Affleck little bit of an Oscar hype

00:03:21
Oscar run with air it’s a shoe movie we loved it we talked about it here but they don’t talk about that if you want to see a a true followup to Goodwill Hunting where you’re like man like both of these guys they they went amongst their ways and they’ve done so much and then later they’re going to come back together to to work on their almost like Legacy they’re they’re on a legacy run right now no one would put last stool they would just go good Goodwill Hunting an air but if there ever was a followup to

00:04:05
Goodwill Hunting this is that movie this movie get you right where it counts the ending is you’re not going to you’re not going to not think about the ending the movie split into two chapters his uh it’s basically he said and then she said this movie while it was coming out and I think it was accurate it was accurately labeled a social justice Warrior me to movement movie and maybe that was intentional but it doesn’t matter cuz the the story is just so good I think knowing this movie

00:04:53
came out around the me tooo era or kind of in the guts of guts of it and right in the middle of the me too era uh it adds a lot of credibility to this film it really does movie was made for $100 million this movie The Last duel looks like it’s made for $300 million it’s in France there’s no sunshine and the bleakness eventually gets to you as you’re watching this movie it’s it’s very subliminal it’s it’s subconscious it it affects the viewer this movie is bloody dirty Matt

00:05:36
Damon is an absolute mercenary warlord he becomes a knight and uh I you know we we learn his fate with the title card spoiler Adam driver’s the one that loses the duel in a in a very horrific way that sticks with you the girl the girl that claim names she was uh you know forced upon we’ll say uh she’s incredible and what the heck is I am so sorry Jody Corner comr Jody comr comier she’s incredible music Harry Greg Williams impeccable cinematography durz wolski painted this like a

00:06:40
painter if there ever was a movie at one time where I singled it out it’s this one this movie probably the best movie of 2021 should have got the Oscar should have got so much more this movie ifies in my view rley Scott I used to yeah I would say at one point uh it’s a two-headed dragon which you know there there’s a side of me that still leans that way but it’s Woody Allen Ridley Scott one’s film one’s movies but Ridley Scott is a filmmaker he is a Movie Maker he’s he’s both of

00:07:21
them both of those heads it’s solidified at this point the filmography I mean it’s hard to even get into his filmography I would say his recent movies the ones I haven’t seen or given much time to is the 2010 Robin Hood 2017 all the money in the world which I am dying to see I really do want to see that 2014 Exodus gods and Kings earlier this year for the 31 days of dread we did his 2001 Hannibal where he also dropped black hwk down in that same year this dude is there so AKA patters this is a me too movie that’s

00:08:28
properly labeled me too and because of it this movie has impact go check it out you cannot deny the last duel I refuse to and I require the same from you okay that’s a WRA

PETER A DELUCA AKAPD

AKAPAD is a versatile thinker known across Philadelphia, Europe, and even in the vast Multiverse as The Electic One. By day, he excels as an IT Mastermind, assisting individuals, both big and small, with a wide range of simple and complex solutions. In contrast, he is also a talented illustrator, a passionate comic book enthusiast, a creative content creator, and an active live streamer. Additionally, his podcast, “AKAPAD The Film Buff Podcast,” boasts an impressive catalog of over 500 episodes available on nearly every major platform.