NEW YORK, JAN 21 (ZENIT).- Luc Besson's recent film on Joan of Arc, "The Messenger," is a "silly, heartless, mean-spirited, small minded, and completely phony film," according to Ron Maxwell, director of "Gettysburg."

    "Director Luc Besson attempts to prove what even the best prosecuting clerics of her day could not: that Joan was a demented, misled, hysterical, confused, and guilt ridden phony; but, even with the power and money of Sony and Gaumont behind him, Besson is no more convincing than the inquisitors of Rouen," wrote Maxwell in his review ( http://www.ronmaxwell.com/ ).

    Maxwell points out that the historical record is mostly ignored throughout the movie. Ss. Michael and Catherine are never mentioned, even though the real Joan insisted that they were the ones who spoke to her. The movie even invents "historical" events, like the murder and rape of Joan's sister, for which there is no evidence.

    Maxwell sums up his review saying that "In 'The Messenger,' a true story of love and sacrifice, of dedication and faith, is cinematically morphed to a false story of hatred, bitterness, fury, and revenge."

    Maxwell is also preparing a movie about St. Joan of Arc based on his own screenplay. His film, "Joan of Arc: The Virgin Warrior" will be shot on location in France. The film's cast includes Albert Finney, Derek Jacobi, Carey Elwes, Steven Lang, and Kevin Conway, but the actress who will play the Maid of Orleans has not yet been named. ZE00012121