A Reel 40: EXCALIBUR

“What is the greatest quality of knighthood?”

This month marks the 40^th anniversary of John Boorman’s EXCALIBUR. 

 

A retelling of the legend of King Arthur, the knights of the round table, the sorcerer Merlin, and the sword of power known as Excalibur, director John Boorman had been looking to bring his version of the story to the big screen as far back as 1969. His original script, which was a three-hour epic, was rejected as being too costly. Boorman was offered to make a screen-adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings instead. Boorman never let go of his desire to bring his King Arthur to the screen, and after many years would secure a deal to make his film. Much of the imagery that would make it into his final cut was created for his vision of The Lord of the Rings.

 

EXCALIBUR was filmed in Ireland, utilizing ancient castles that are still standing to this day. By employing Irish actors and crew, the production has been acknowledged for igniting the Irish filmmaking industry; an effect still felt today. The film would also be noted for launching the film careers of Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Gabriel Byrne, and Ciaran Hinds…who all appeared in minor roles. 

 

The major roles would be filled out by Nigel Terry (Arthur), Helen Mirren (Morgana), Nicol Williamson (Merlin), Cherie Lunghi (Guenevere), and Nicholas Clay (Lancelot). The soundtrack featured the music of Richard Wagner, with an original score by Trevor Jones. 

 

EXCALIBUR was the no. 1 film during its opening weekend of April 1981. It was nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography. John Boorman would win the prize for Best Artistic Contribution at the Cannes Film Festival. 

 

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EXCALIBUR did not conquer the known world in 1981, but over the years it has earned a reputation as perhaps the definitive King Arthur film. The acting from the entire cast is excellent, the battle scenes impressively staged, and the uses of Wagner’s classic operatic music brings the chills every time. The film has a magical look to it; cinematographer Alex Thomson makes everything glow…almost like a dream. The third act of the film does begin a little wonky, but it finishes strong. For this Blogger, it has been a favorite since I was a squire, and many from my generation would also see it’s worthiness. Many attempts at King Arthur have been tried over the last four decades, and all have them have found it difficult to match the dream of Camelot in EXCALIBUR. 

 

“A dream to some. A nightmare to others!”