The Passion of Joan of Arc vs. Stagecoach

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Examples of cinematographic techniques used to show and build character. Falconetti spends the entire film in close-up, in absolute anguish, and you believe, you can see her thoughts and fears cross her mind. John Wayne's entrance in Stagecoach is a crash-zoom (I think), he shines and glows. Here is a hero. There can be no doubt. His smile blurs as the focus puller earns his money. I've got to pick Joan here, even though Stagecoach is a superb film.

Both the acting and directing in The Passion of Joan of Arc are outstanding but, in terms of pure entertainment value, it is not quite as good as Stagecoach. For that reason, I have to go with John Wayne here.