Excalibur

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DW L Excalibur is a visually stunning film that stands out for its gritty, unpolished depiction of the Arthurian legend. John Boorman’s direction embraces the dark, muddy realities of the mythical medieval world. The world of Arthur is one where chivalry and barbarism are constantly at odds, and the film doesn’t shy away from showing this tension as a struggle relevant today (even as I watch the debate about manhood going on at the end of 2024 election cycle). The characters, like a Greek pantheon, are more than just individuals. They represent mythic archetypes, embodying timeless traits like honor, wisdom, love, and betrayal. While not always appreciated, the operatic performances intentionally heighten the scope of the story giving the characters a weight that matches the film’s ambitious themes. Visually, Excalibur is exceptional. The use of natural light, mist, and a changing color palette brings a raw, almost dreamlike quality to the film. Coupled with the stirring score, which is perfectly suited to the grand themes of the story, the film achieves a unique blend of realism and fantasy. While some may not have fully appreciated the film’s operatic nature at the time of its release, it has since earned its place as a classic. No King Arthur adaptations have come close to matching the film’s ambition and scope and tone. Excalibur remains the definitive portrayal of the legend on film. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/19/24 Full Review Audience Member Absolutely brilliant and mesmerizing. The musical score by itself is so grand and I'm in love with Morgana. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/08/24 Full Review Ross V Easily the best of the Arthurian films (Monty Python’s Holy Grail is the second best ; blue…no red! Bwaaaaaaaa!), Excalibur wonderfully captures the majestically absurd, and comedically moving attempts of the marvellously singular Gan…umm Merlin to elevate the condition of humanity : the actor walks a brilliant razor’s edge in between Holy Grail’s ridiculous Tim the Enchanter, and a world weary Wagnerian hero for whom success is as fleeting as it is bittersweet. Everyone else delivers performances almost as good ; the cinematography is magnificent with a Lady of the Lake for the Ages ; the choice of Wagner & Orff to score it pumps the production up to full operatic grandeur which, in lesser hands than Boorman’s, would have ended up with a film being an unintentionally howlingly bad comedy as opposed to the hauntingly grand, absurdly madding treatise on the nature of the Human Condition. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/13/24 Full Review Martin W By far the greatest ever movie adaptation of the Story of King Arthur and Merlin! Stylish and atmospheric with sprinkles of humour. It's filmmaking at it's finest as far as I'm concerned. Stone cold classic! Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/01/24 Full Review nicokush 4 Not sure how i feel about this movie.. Theres a charm to it but i also didn't really like how most of the scenes were shot.. But i give it bonus points for being a classic medieval movie. Just wasn't for me. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/26/24 Full Review joseph m Excalibur is heavily reliant on it's own extravagance, through which it makes up for it's stilted dialogue and almost random narrative structure. The fantastical set and costume design make it extremely enjoyable to watch, especially when inebriated or in the mood for an escape from modern cinema. Performances from most are hammy and overly theatrical, especially Nicol Williamson as Merlin, though his comic relief is needed when the story slows or trips up on itself. Nigel Terry is commendable for his subtle poise of emotion that is simultaneously composed and enthusiastic, particularly in the conclusion of the story which he helps to make epic. Nicholas Clay is beautiful as Lancelot, showcasing a vulnerable and forlorn side to the mythic figure and acts as an easy avatar for the audience to root for. While by no means a perfect movie, Excalibur is worth a watch for the well chosen score, incredible physicality of the sets and interesting performances and story. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 07/21/24 Full Review Read all reviews

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