When looking into popular culture for images and videos of
Joan, there are many satirical and artistic renderings of the life and
experiences of the Pucelle. While many are filled with inaccuracies or
illustrate Joan’s motivations as less than historical, one particularly good
(read: factual) video describing the life of Joan is found on YouTube under an
account of history teachers who rewrite popular songs to lyrics that describe
certain historical events or people. Joan made the list, appearing in the history
teachers’ rendition of “Seven Nation Army” (the Joan version) by the White
Stripes. The video itself is rather well complied, featuring a “music video” of
Joan accompanied by background video footage of a Joan of Arc film. The actress
playing Joan in the music video is shown wearing armor complete with a sword, a
short “male-esque” bob haircut, and black hair. The lyrics discuss Joan as a
“peasant” who was told of her destiny by “saints” – all very factually
accurate. It becomes quite clear by the end of the film that the intention of
the filmmakers was to present a factually-based account of Joan that would play
on current pop culture images and songs while presenting historically accurate
information on the Pucelle.
The White Stripes was an interesting band choice to use in
comparison to Joan, a seemingly methodical move on the part of the filmmakers.
The White Stripes emerged in the 1990s as an American rock band that would last
until 2011. The rock movement itself was seen as a more rebellious musical
movement, which proves to be quite an interesting comparison to Joan. Were the
filmmakers attempting to draw parallels between the band’s rebellious rock
movement and Joan’s own “rebellion” of gender roles and her ensuing trial where
she proved to be quite feisty? Also crucial to the parallels between The White
Stripes and Joan is the color red. Joan is often described throughout
Nullification trial sources as having worn a red dress before she ditched her
peasant female dress for men’s battle attire. Similarly, The White Stripes were
known for their sole use of the colors white, black and red. The motif of red
is also shown throughout the entire video. These similarities, therefore, make
for a perfect parallel between The White Stripes and Joan of Arc. The
rebellious, rock band meets the Maid of France who was unafraid to push
boundaries of her own time, earning this video a solid A from me.
Below are some images from the music video itself, highlighting both the physical look of Joan, some of the notable lyrics, and of course, the red motif.
You can find the link to the YouTube video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQydMhY9OpI&list=UUAiABuhVSMZJMqyv4Ur5XqA
This is a history teacher's video--she actually is a high school history teacher who does these!
ReplyDeleteI love this group. I kind of wish they would have focused the video more on Joan's actions instead of just a psychedelic display of Joan's image in triangles but other wise this is great.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Evan. Some of their other videos are more complex. If interested watch the Black Death video, by googling "history teachers black death youtube." You and Gwen Stefani will be fast friends!
ReplyDeleteReally great post! The connection between the color red for both Joan and The White Stripes is really interesting. I myself was never a huge fan of this band but knowing what little I do about their music, I can see how they would produce a song about Joan. Just throwing this question out there: If we had to choose one band or artist of today to write a song about Joan, who do you think it would be?
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth! Great question! Although this is just my gut instinct, I would be tempted to say something acoustic, John Mayer or Mumford and Sons perhaps? Ben Gibbard could also do Joan justice I would assume. But I'm open to debate!
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