Review of Excalibur (1981) by Stuart K — 16 Feb 2009

John Boorman has always been understated as a director, he has always had a keen eye for visuals, and he has made some interesting films over the years. But, this was an epic he had pursued for a few years, and it is one of his best films, and a good telling of a legend.

Based upon Thomas Malory's book, Le Morte d'Arthur, this is about the legend of King Arthur (Nigel Terry), son of King Uther Pendragon (Gabriel Byrne), how he pulled Excalibur from a stone when no other man could, he becomes King, he finds guidance from the wily Merlin (Nicol Williamson) he marries Guenivere (Cherie Lunghi), gathers up his Knights of the Round Table, but trouble stirs when his evil half-sister Morgana (Helen Mirren) turns up, and has a son with him, which could prove to be his downfall.

It's a visually splendid film, which boasts some beautiful cinematography from Alex Thomson and some good performances, (especially early roles for Patrick Stewart and Liam Neeson), it is very dark and brooding, but it adds to the atmosphere, and it's one of the better fantasy films from the 1980's, oh and look out for Richard from Keeping Up Appearances.