**Maria Falconetti (Renée Jeanne Falconetti, 1892-1946)** was a French actress whose cinematic fame is indissolubly linked to a single, legendary role.

She is remembered almost exclusively for her extraordinary portrayal of Joan of Arc in Carl Theodor Dreyer's silent masterpiece, "The Passion of Joan of Arc" (1928). Her performance is considered one of the most intense and significant in the history of cinema. Dreyer stripped her of all make-up and artifice, focusing on her close-ups to capture the agony, faith, and resilience of the saint. Her ability to express profound pain and tormented spirituality through facial expressions alone made her iconic.

Despite having an established theatrical career, Falconetti only made three films in total, and none achieved the resonance of "The Passion." Her "Joan" remains a benchmark for dramatic intensity and acting authenticity.