Review of Excalibur (1981) by Scott M — 13 Sep 2009

One of the best movies of its genre. I have a particular personal connection with this movie having spent several days on the set (in Ardmore Studios in Bray); a couple of friends did some of the stunts (hence my excuse for being on the set!).

Regardless of this though, this is still a good movie from the very capable John Boorman and goes further than most to capture the mystical feel of the legend of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table; I distinctly remember seeing several copies of Mallory's Le Morte d'Arthur lying about the set in trailers and on car dashboards! There are fine performances in this film from Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren and Gabriel Byrne, but I feel that it was Nicol Williamson, as Merlin, who stole the show!