Note: The following article contains discussion of rape that some readers may find upsetting.
The Last Duel actress Jodie Comer has addressed the medieval drama's darkest scene.
In Ridley Scott's latest release – based on a true story – Jacques Le Gris (played by Star Wars' Adam Driver) is accused of raping Comer's Marguerite de Carrouges, setting in motion a legally sanctioned battle to the death between him and her husband (Matt Damon's knight Jean de Carrouges).
The film plays out from three different viewpoints – Jean, Jacques and Marguerite. Speaking to Digital Spy, the Killing Eve star discussed how they approached filming the traumatic moment at the centre of the story from not only her character's perspective, but also that of Jacques.
Related: Killing Eve's Jodie Comer opens up on how she prepared for The Last Duel's traumatic scenes
"It was a really interesting experience, I think, when you take into account that in both scenes the dialogue is the exact same, so the only shift is performance and emotion," she began.
"And it's very, very, very subtle and I know that that was always what our intention was that it needed to be such a subtle shift.
"As an actress to get to kind of play around like that was extremely satisfying but it was also a bit discombobulating when you're wanting to portray your own character's truth and instincts, and then you have to step away from that and play into the perspective of the other characters."
Comer added: "Before each take me and Ridley would have a chat and we'd just kind of reiterate what it was that we were wanting from this perspective, and so we were always kind of on the same page and knew what we were wanting [out of the scenes]."
Scott, the director behind the likes of Blade Runner and Gladiator, added: "The rehearsal for this is forensic. We sit in a room with Jodie and Adam and I, and that's it. We literally talk through it – exactly the target of what we're gonna do, there's no one there listening, and that is such a very private discussion.
"Then beyond that, you know, then I have to step back and it's in the hands of Jodie and Adam, and my four cameras were quietly in the corners, trying not to be too obtrusive."
The Last Duel opens in US and UK cinemas on October 15.
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can access more information from Rape Crisis England and Wales, who work towards the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the National Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline number is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers in the US are encouraged to contactRAINN, or the National Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
