Knightâs Tale
One of the most persistent problems with period piece films is that the filmmakers involved strive to make it seem as if the PRODUCTION was made during the same era as well, resulting many times in a turgid work right down to using the music of that era which comes across as a boring dirge to the viewer. Not so with this 2001 effort from writer / director Brian Helgeland which, despite taking place in the 14th century, is given a modern filmmakerâs sensibility that overcomes the anachronistic nature of its storytelling and results in a thrilling, joyous adventure that will stand the test of time. As soon as the film opens with a medieval throng stomping and clapping to Queenâs âWe Will Rock Youâ (arguably the coolest opening credits sequence ever), we know that we are in for a thoroughly entertaining ride, and Helgeland doesnât let us down with his lively writing and energetic directing that, along with a top-notch, likable cast, helps enable its late, lamented star Heath Ledger to have a fairly easy time of it when it comes to carrying the whole affair. Ledger plays a peasant squire who adorns the armor of the knight he serves when the man drops dead after a jousting match, and decides to compete himself, even though only those of noble birth are allowed to do so. As a result, Ledger and his friends fabricate a noble lineage for him to be eligible, and he soon becomes the toast of Europe with his skills, leading up to an eventful conclusion during the World Championships in London. Along the way, Ledger displays a bit goofy yet affable persona that allows the viewer to root for him as he epitomizes the filmâs inspiring credo that âany man can change his starsâ no matter what role that society has set out for him. Among the rest of the fine cast is also Rufus Sewell (a bit miscast as the hero in Dark City but perfect here) as the snobbish rival of Ledgerâs who looks to put the hero down and retain his reputation as the best in the world at what he does; Shannyn Sossamon showing beauty and charm as the noblewoman who embarks on an engaging romance with the roughhewn Ledger; Mark Addy and Alan âSteve The Pirateâ Tudyk as his dependable and hilarious sidekicks; Laura Fraser as the female blacksmith determined to prove that she makes the best armor anywhere when she joins the team; James Purefoy hitting the right notes as Prince Edward who himself desires to compete despite being of royal blood; Christopher Cazenove as Ledgerâs poor father who comes to realize that his son has done the impossible; and finally Paul Bettany pretty much stealing the movie out from under everybody as the (real life) writer Geoffery Chaucer, whom Ledger and gang feed and cloth in exchange for him becoming their herald (sort of the PR man for the competitors), with his hilariously long-winded introductions arguably the acting highlight of the film. Despite clocking in at about 2 hours and 12 minutes, the film retains such a refreshing lack of pretentiousness and such an appealing sense of humor (while never venturing over the line into Men In Tights territory) that the running time just flies by and leaves the viewer wanting more. And then there is that music: Using rock and roll and pop classics in period settings is something that was really forged by Moulin Rouge, and here it works just as well, as the film features not only Queen but also War, Eric Clapton, Sly And The Family Stone and more, with this viewerâs personal favorite being when Ledger leads a dance at a formal ball that soon leads to these Middle Ages types strutting their stuff to a David Bowie song, and of course when the film itself fades out and kicks in with some classic AC/DC, you know youâve seen something different and original that racks up major points for sheer entertainment value. In closing, it can be said the sport of jousting itself is given a heck of a promotional push, and Helgelandâs eclectic and emotional stylings help succeed in making this film arguably one of The Greatest Sports Movies Of All TimeâŚ
10/10