Louis Ravet
Actor
About Louis Ravet
Louis Ravet was a French actor who appeared during the late silent film era, known for his single documented film role in Carl Theodor Dreyer's masterpiece 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' (1928). He portrayed Guillaume de Flavy, a historical figure who was the commander of the garrison at Compiègne during Joan of Arc's time. His performance, though brief, contributed to one of the most critically acclaimed films of the silent era. Ravet appears to have had an extremely brief film career, with this being his only known screen credit. Like many supporting actors in silent cinema, his contribution to the film industry was limited but not without significance. The fact that he was cast in such an important artistic production suggests he may have had stage experience or connections in the French theatrical community. Unfortunately, very little documentation survives about his life beyond this single notable film appearance.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' (1928) as Guillaume de Flavy
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
While Louis Ravet himself had minimal cultural impact due to his brief film career, his participation in 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' connects him to one of the most influential films in cinema history. The film is renowned for its innovative cinematography, emotional intensity, and Renée Jeanne Falconetti's legendary performance. As part of this groundbreaking production, Ravet contributed to a work that has influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to be studied in film schools worldwide. The film's depiction of Joan of Arc's trial and execution remains one of the most powerful religious films ever made, with its close-up techniques and psychological depth far ahead of its time.
Lasting Legacy
Louis Ravet's legacy is intrinsically tied to his role in 'The Passion of Joan of Arc,' ensuring his name appears in the credits of one of cinema's most revered masterpieces. While he may not have achieved individual fame, his contribution to this landmark film preserves his place in film history. The character he portrayed, Guillaume de Flavy, was a real historical figure who played a controversial role in Joan of Arc's capture, adding historical authenticity to Dreyer's vision. Film historians and enthusiasts who study the cast of this classic film continue to acknowledge Ravet as part of the ensemble that brought this powerful story to life, even though his screen time was likely minimal.
Who They Inspired
Given his brief film career, Louis Ravet did not have a significant influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, as part of the cast of 'The Passion of Joan of Arc,' he participated in a production that influenced countless filmmakers who followed, particularly in the use of close-ups to convey emotion and the psychological approach to historical drama. The film's techniques and emotional power continue to be studied and admired, making every contributor to the film, including Ravet, part of its enduring influence on cinema.
Off Screen
Very little is known about Louis Ravet's personal life, as he appears to have had only one documented film role and was not a prominent public figure during his time.
Did You Know?
- Louis Ravet played Guillaume de Flavy, a historical figure who was commander of Compiègne when Joan of Arc was captured
- His only known film appearance is in what is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made
- The Passion of Joan of Arc was controversial upon release for its sympathetic portrayal of Joan
- The film was thought lost for decades until a pristine copy was found in a mental institution in 1981
- Director Carl Theodor Dreyer was known for his perfectionism and extreme attention to detail
- The film uses almost exclusively close-up shots, which was revolutionary for 1928
- Lead actress Renée Jeanne Falconetti never made another film after this performance
- The original version of the film was heavily censored in several countries upon release
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Louis Ravet?
Louis Ravet was a French actor from the silent film era known exclusively for his role as Guillaume de Flavy in Carl Theodor Dreyer's 1928 masterpiece 'The Passion of Joan of Arc.' His film career appears to have been limited to this single appearance in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
What films is Louis Ravet best known for?
Louis Ravet is known for only one film: 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' (1928), where he played the historical figure Guillaume de Flavy. This critically acclaimed French silent film directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer is his only documented screen credit.
When was Louis Ravet born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Louis Ravet are not documented in available historical records. Given his appearance in a 1928 film, he was likely active during the late 1920s, but precise biographical details about this minor actor have been lost to history.
What awards did Louis Ravet win?
There are no records of Louis Ravet receiving any individual awards or nominations. While 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' has been retrospectively recognized as one of cinema's greatest achievements, the film and its cast did not receive major awards at the time of its release.
What was Louis Ravet's acting style?
Given the limited documentation of his work and the fact that he appears in only one film, it's difficult to assess Louis Ravet's specific acting style. In 'The Passion of Joan of Arc,' director Carl Theodor Dreyer demanded extremely naturalistic and emotionally intense performances from his cast, so Ravet's portrayal would have conformed to this approach.
Why is Louis Ravet remembered despite having only one film role?
Louis Ravet is remembered primarily because his single film appearance was in 'The Passion of Joan of Arc,' universally recognized as one of the greatest achievements in cinema history. His participation in this landmark masterpiece, however brief, ensures his name appears in the credits of a film that continues to be studied and admired nearly a century after its creation.
Learn More
Films
1 film
