The Last Duel (2021)

Interesting Facts

• Matt Damon couldn't grow a beard, so the props department tried on 20 false beards of different types. It is claimed that because of the make-up glue, he began to have problems with the skin under his beard, so after filming each scene, the actor had to apply ice to his face.
• At the wedding, the priests kiss each other, then one of them kisses the hero Matt Damon, and only then he kisses the bride. This rite was actually practiced in the Middle Ages. Nowadays, a handshake is used instead of a kiss.
• According to Matt Damon, he and Ben Affleck decided to use Nicole Holofcener's help in describing female characters in the script.
• Initially, it was assumed that the main characters would be played by the screenwriters Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, but soon Affleck gave up his role to Adam Driver, and took the role of a minor character for himself. The reason for this was Affleck's employment in the filming of the thriller "Deep Waters" (Adrian Lyne, 2022).
• In fact, the spectators on the ships of the duel were forbidden to make any sounds (including shouting, cheering and even coughing) on pain of death.
• Scaffolding is visible around Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral was generally built by 1270, i.e. more than a century before the events described in the film, and in the 14th century the retaining arches that supported the weight of the structure were replaced.
• The title of the film follows from the fact that the fight between the characters of Adam Driver and Matt Damon became one of the last court fights in France. The most recent occurred in 1547.
• On March 13, 2020, work on the film was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Filming in France had already been completed by that time, and the film crew moved to Ireland. Filming had already lasted four weeks, and an hour of screen time had already been filmed.
• The faces of the opponents in a real fight would not be visible from under the helmets. However, it was decided to show the actors' faces, because both Matt Damon and Adam Driver wanted to act out on their own in as many takes as possible.
• It took 2 months to set up the trial by duel (or the last duel from the title), and it took another 2 weeks to shoot it.
• The rape scene was filmed with multiple cameras so that Jodie Comer and Adam Driver would not have to play it over and over again.
• At the 63rd minute, during a conversation, Margaret (Jodie Comer) With Legree (Adam Driver), the two pendants on her necklace turn out to be tangled, then straightened.