Excalibur Movie Review

Stylized, brooding vision of the life of King Arthur and his knights of the roundtable as seen by director John Boorman. This one is all Boorman; in fact, it's the best Boorman. When Arthur removes the sword Excalibur from the stone, he fulfills a prophecy and becomes the “boy king.” His goal, to unite the land, will not be easy, particularly in his early dimwit state. But never fear, Merlin is here to help Arthur. Years ago, Merlin also assisted Arthur's dad, Uther Pendragon, but with a less honorable goal: horny for another warlord's wife (Morgana the temptress), some mystical wizard-type deception gave daddy the appearance of the murdered-as-we-speak husband, allowing copulation no recognizo (indeed an amazing Boorman touch as Uther in tank-like armor makes love to the nude Morgana). Conceived during this liaison is Mordred, who'll be the death of Arthur, and who lives only to avenge the murder of his father and rape his mother. Seems like sex is the main cause of the Round-table's decay into drunkenness and squabbling. Even superknight Lancelot succumbed and gave a lancing to Arthur's beloved Guinevere. In an attempt to restore honor, Arthur sends the boys out on a quest for the Holy Grail. The soundtrack is a mix of original incidental and classical music with Carl Orff's “Carmina Burana” sending the knights galloping off into a once-upon-a-time glory that has never been done better.

1981 (R) 140m/C Nigel Terry, Nicol Williamson, Nicholas Clay, Helen Mirren, Cherie Lunghi, Paul Geoffrey, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Charley Boorman, Corin Redgrave; D: John Boorman; W: John Boorman, Rospo Pallenberg; M: Trevor Jones. Nominations: Academy Awards ‘81: Best Cinematography; Cannes Film Festival ‘81: Best Film. VHS, Beta, LV WAR, TVC