(Cross-posted to just Eat the Damn Peach) I watched this film over and over. You could say I'm an addict. And yet: this is not the best film I've ever seen. Or put it this way: I have my own ideas of the King Arthur legend, all derived from "The Once and Future King," and they are different from this. Here's what IMDb says:
Based on a more realistic portrayal of "Arthur" than has ever been presented onscreen. The film will focus on the history and politics of the period during which Arthur ruled -- when the Roman empire collapsed and skirmishes over power broke out in outlying countries -- as opposed to the mystical elements of the tale on which past Arthur films have focused. Written by Scott Summerton
Although the legend of King Arthur has not been historically established as fact, this film will attempt to place King Arthur within his possible historic context, smack between the fall of the Roman Empire (just a few hundred years after Gladiator) and the long road through the Dark Ages (roughly set in the 5th or 6th centuries). The magic and fantasy of the legend will be absent (Merlin may still be around; just not performing the magic seen in Excalibur). Written by Payne
The Roman Empire is stretched across many nations, including Britain. In their conquest for more land, the Romans went into Sarmatia where they fought the very brave Sarmatian cavalery. The Romans, impressed by the Sarmatian's weaponery and fighting skills, included them into their army as knights. After 15 years of serving and fighting for the Roman Empire the Sarmatian Knights, lead by Arthur/Artorious Castus, are about to receive their freedom as the Romans are leaving Britain. But the Knights must carry out one final order before they are free. A Roman priest and his family, especially his son Alecto, must be rescued from the invading Saxons. But there is another danger lurking on the road to freedom - the Woads, British rebels who hate the Romans. Written by Andreas Furumo
As I said: eh.
But you will want to own this film regardless, as I did. Why?
Clive Owen, Ray Winstone, and Ray Stevenson. Well, and Hugh Dancy for the young things. Here's a cast list. The person who created this video---which I have to watch with the music OFF since this is very much not my kind of music, though you might well feel otherwise---writes:
Tribute to all the gorgeous cast of King Arthur and their heroic shenanigans!!
And I am down with that.
Next, I'd like to see the beloved Ray Winstone play my old pal, "Norm" the Conqueror. He's been Beowulf; he can be "William the Bastard" as well. Yeah, Keira Knightley's in it as well. I didn't really notice.
Comments