Review of Knightriders (1981) by Jacob F — 04 Feb 2011

While there aren't any zombies in it this may well be Romero's Magnum opus. All his ideas and themes are here but presented, not horrifically, but as heroic, Utopian ideals. Where his Dead films are bleak social critiques and his films Martin and The Crazies are perhaps his most terminal lamentations about America, this is a staggering work of idealism.

It is a generous film and that is its major flaw, running too long and being at times even sentimental with its ensemble cast. And Romero is a bit over indulgent at times with his characters. Though for the most part its a joy to watch, and there is way too much going on in this film to dismiss it as a failed labor of love .

It works on so many levels: the death of 1970's idealism and the change from individualism to self-indulgence manifested in a subverted Arthurian legend with elements of Cervantes. Or consider its archetypal road film/ spiritual journey.

This is Romero's most beautifully shot film, and while the film's last third loses steam it is gorgeous to look at. In its composition and desire to break free it even recalls classical Godard.

If it weren't so long this would be one of the cult-classic films.