Review of Excalibur (1981) by Lucas Q — 07 Jul 2013

The film has to owe a few marks to Monty Python and the Holy Grail not for its moody and dark tones, but for the humor. Merlin, played with charm and wit by Nicol Williamson, is the glue of the film. Nigel Terry as Arthur is very earnest and helps greatly in the later half of the film.

It is interesting to go back and see such a young Helen Mirren as Morgana. I have never much cared for the Lancelot and Guenevere arc of the King Arthur legend, but the films length and larger story help to negate this weak point for me.

Also the usage of "O Fortuna" was brilliant for the film rousing and dark. The development of the men behind the sword whose path the film tracks from Uther's end of days to Arthur's fall is the focus.

The action is awkward, but that is what comes of heavy armor and seemingly not a lot of practice. The sexual nature of the film is a running theme, which advocated the downfall of uncontrollable lust.

In all, the film was engrossing with incredible set pieces, a surprisingly deep cast including Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, and even Patrick Stewart, with only a few slow points to detract from the speed of the film.