How is it that a medieval fantasy film released in 1981 can appear more visually impressive than many contemporary fantasy offerings? This distinction belongs to John Boorman’s acclaimed work, Excalibur, which is a renowned retelling of the King Arthur legend.
While The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones are synonymous with modern fantasy epics, it’s essential to recognize that Excalibur laid the groundwork long before them. Originally intended as an adaptation of Tolkien’s work, the film morphed into a vibrant reinterpretation of Arthurian legend. Even after nearly 44 years, despite tremendous advancements in CGI and filming techniques, the lush visuals of Excalibur not only withstand the test of time but frequently outshine scores of today’s fantasy narratives.
Excalibur: The Definitive King Arthur Film
A Pioneering Fantasy Adaptation
Considering the immense array of adaptations that the King Arthur narrative has undergone over the decades, Excalibur stands out as arguably the most compelling. Drawing inspiration from Sir Thomas Malory’s seminal work, Le Morte d’Arthur, which translates to The Death of Arthur, Boorman’s film may not be flawless, but it undeniably remains the quintessential Arthurian film, distinguished from both its predecessors and successors.
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Upon its release, the film garnered mixed to positive reviews, achieving a box office return of $35 million against a $11 million budget. In comparison, the top-grossing feature of that year, Raiders of the Lost Ark, amassed over $212 million. It currently holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 72% and won the award for Best Artistic Contribution at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival, in addition to receiving an Oscar nomination for cinematography.
The Influence of Excalibur on Zack Snyder’s Films
The resonance of Excalibur is not confined to its box office success; instead, it thrives in its cultural legacy. Its aesthetic has become a benchmark for historical retellings, most notably influencing filmmaker Zack Snyder. In a 2012 interview with Newsweek, Snyder declared it his favorite film, praising it as a perfect fusion of cinema and mythology.
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A notable homage appears in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, where a poignant flashback sequence depicts Bruce Wayne’s family venture to see Excalibur precisely before their tragic end. Furthermore, Superman’s sacrifice to vanquish Doomsday mirrors King Arthur’s infamous battle against Mordred with Excalibur itself. Snyder has voiced aspirations to helm his own adaptation of the Arthurian saga, demonstrating the film’s profound impact.
Reasons Every Fantasy Enthusiast Should Watch Excalibur
A Vivid Departure from Modern Content
Similar to Game of Thrones, Boorman’s Excalibur opts for a narrative that eschews fairy tale conventions. Its protagonists are flawed, the battles are explicitly depicted, and the undertones of violence run deep. Yet, it possesses an ethereal quality accentuated by vivid imagery and profound symbolism. Instead of employing a stylized approach to combat like many modern films do, Excalibur portrays battles as slow and grueling, immersing viewers in its otherworldly medieval realm.
Excalibur: Launchpad for Future Stars
The film boasts an impressive ensemble, featuring those who would eventually become significant figures in cinema. Starring Nigel Terry as Arthur, Helen Mirren as Morgana Le Fay, and Liam Neeson in one of his earliest roles, the cast not only showcased established actors but also introduced a wave of rising stars such as Ciarán Hinds and Gabriel Byrne. Even Patrick Stewart credits Excalibur as his first major cinematic role.
The film’s composition includes pieces by renowned composers Richard Wagner and Carl Orff alongside original scores from Trevor Jones, elevating the dramatic atmosphere. The distinctive visual style, including intentional lighting choices that reflect magical elements, contributes greatly to its immersive experience, allowing viewers to engage with the enchanting yet brutal world they inhabit.
The Decline of Modern Fantasy Films
Dazzling Visuals and Grit Contrast with Today’s Digital Aesthetics
Excalibur serves as a vivid reminder of the opulence that once characterized cinematic storytelling. Despite ongoing discussions surrounding digital versus traditional filming methods, the rich textures and vibrant colors of this film are often unmatched by contemporary counterparts. The comparison between Excalibur‘s bold imagery and the more subdued palettes of recent fantasy films raises questions about the direction of the genre, making it feel as if there’s been a regression in visual storytelling.
Beyond visuals, Excalibur is unafraid to tackle darker themes without descending into absurdity, a balancing act that many current fantasy narratives struggle to master. Its visceral representation of violence, highlighted in the climactic sequences, evokes authenticity perhaps even more strikingly than contemporary series like Game of Thrones.
john boorman went so hard on his bleak, gruesome nightmare vision of what the hunt for the holy grail should look like with excalibur (1981).pic.twitter.com/eOKcdgIxjv
— Josh Lewis (@thejoshl) April 17, 2023
The film doesn’t shy away from depicting grim settings such as Morgana’s lair, littered with the remnants of death and decay, which prompted the original 3-hour runtime to be shortened to 140 minutes. This led to an R rating in the United States, with HBO presenting both versions to cater to different audiences.
Excalibur: A ‘Lord of the Rings’ for Its Time
The visual identity of Excalibur echoes John Boorman’s original aspirations to adapt The Lord of the Rings, a project that ultimately fell through. In a 2012 interview with IndieWire, Boorman expressed his complex feelings about the missed opportunity, ultimately feeling grateful that Peter Jackson succeeded where he could not.
[We] couldn’t get it made. And really I’m so pleased we didn’t because if I’d made it, rather clumsily at the time, it would mean that Pete Jackson‘s fantastic trilogy would not have been made. So he owes a lot to me.
One could argue that Excalibur serves as a forebear to Tolkien’s stories, encapsulating a distinctly retro aesthetic reminiscent of late 70s and early 80s cinema. For ardent fantasy fans, Excalibur is a must-see, while for creators, it offers a crucial lesson about returning the genre to its magnificent roots. You can find Excalibur available for rent on platforms like Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and Microsoft Store.
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