This movie is one of a kind, there is very little conventional about it.  The use of close-ups to reveal Joan's emotions is masterly and it also has some fine travelling shots like the initial one which reveals the judges. My only criticism is an excessive use of titles which break up the flow of the film, I think they tend to distance you emotionally from the action. I didn't find it agonising or terribly sad though I'm not religious so that might explain some of my emotional reaction still a remarkable, daring film.