Joan the Woman (1916)

"Joan the Woman" (1916) is a quintessential early Cecil B. DeMille spectacle, showcasing his penchant for grand historical narratives, lavish production design, and the innovative use of emerging cinematic techniques. While DeMille would later become synonymous with biblical epics, "Joan the Woman" marked a significant step towards that reputation. It established his ability to craft emotionally resonant stories on a massive scale, employing thousands of extras, meticulously constructed sets, and ground-breaking special effects for its time, particularly in its depiction of battle scenes and Joan's visions. The film's ambitious scope and its treatment of Joan of Arc as a heroic and ultimately tragic figure laid the foundation for many of DeMille's later, even more opulent, historical dramas. Furthermore, "Joan the Woman" solidified DeMille's early star-making power, featuring Geraldine Farrar in the titular role. Farrar's performance, combined with DeMille's dramatic storytelling and visual flair, captivated audiences and cemented the film's box office success. The film also exemplifies DeMille's early experimentation with flashbacks and visual storytelling techniques, contributing to the evolving language of cinema and influencing filmmakers to come. Its combination of historical drama, romance, and religious fervor, all rendered with DeMille's characteristic extravagance, firmly plants "Joan the Woman" as a cornerstone and must-see entry in any survey of his best works.