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Last Updated: Jun 17th, 2008 - 15:46:17
POV Review - King Arthur
By Cynthia Kirkeby
Aug 19, 2006, 08:34 PST
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Point of View review of King Arthur
The film advertises itself as "The True Story of King Arthur." Is it the historical Arthur?
There was an advanced screening of King Arthur nearby. According to the studio executives, we were the first to see the film worldwide. It was a rough cut: no color balancing, a few rough transitions, but that was easily overlooked. After waiting for years for a new King Arthur film, I had been looking forward to this film since the first announcement hit the press.
A dear friend of mine hooked me on the King Arthur legends when I was 15 and through the years, we've read and exchanged over a hundred books on the subject, including the historical Arthur. So, I was ready to see this supposedly historical depiction of the famous king.
The film was entertaining. There were some unique fight scenes. A little romance, although nothing rising to the level of what fantasy buffs will expect. If the movie had been called Warrior or some other generic name, I would have enjoyed it a great deal more.
I get the feeling that the people involved in this film have never cracked a single book on the subject. How they have the nerve to advertise the film the true story of King Arthur is beyond me. Even worse, they list this as the true story of King Arthur. It's not even close!
Although the action takes place earlier in time than many of the traditional King Arthur tales, it is not set as early as Geoffrey of Monmouth related. According to Geoffrey in his History of the Kings of Briton, Arthur reigned lived from the late 400s until 542. This was as close as they got to the "real story" in this film.
My pet peeves:
Lancelot is depicted as an atheist, or at best an agnostic.
Lancelot is not French...this is amazing since his name is Lancelot du Lac, which is French for Lancelot of the Lake.
Lancelot and Galahad are shown as contemporaries. Galahad was actually the son of Lancelot and Elaine, daughter of King Pelles.
King Arthur's top knights are supposed to be Samatian - East African?
King Arthur and Gwenivere don't get together until after the fellowship of the Round Table has been decimated. No knights for Arthur and Gwen to inspire.
Finally, Lancelot is killed off before Arthur and Gwenivere even get together. So much for one of the greatest love stories in history....
If you're looking for a fun battle film, then this is an enjoyable film. If, however, you're looking for a King Arthur epic, this film is horribly disappointing and downright aggravating.
© Copyright 2006 by Classbrain.com
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