Film: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

So, the only one of the mid-evening tv film offerings that I hadn't seen was King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. A King Arthur story? Ok..

Turns out to be directed by Guy Ritchie. So ok, we know it's gonna be fast-paced, lots of action. And so it proves. No interest whatsoever in what happens after, this film just concerns itself with Arthur getting the throne. Plays around with the story a bit - Camelot wasn't built by Arthur, but already existed, and Mordred, rather than being Arthur's evil wizard son (or nephew), is actually a contemporary of the previous generation. Seems that humans and magi were allies until Arthur's wicked uncle (Jude Law) conspired with Mordred and caused a battle, during which Uther was killed and Jude Law took the throne. Arthur was spirited away and brought up in the slums - now a strapping lad, he must defeat both his uncle and Mordred to take the throne. Once he can be convinced that he wants it, that is.

The look of it owes much to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, IMHO, and the feel of it is more Robin Hood, with Arthur assembling a band of merry knights (lots of Northern English accents) before ever taking the throne - one of whom is played by Aidan Gillen. The costumes are 14th Century, the women's hairstyles earlier - 11th, maybe, or earlier. After that, they were covering their hair - married ladies, at least, in public. So, fantasy rather than historical - but none of the Arthurian legend is really history anyway.

The CGI is great, the omnipresent fight scenes are cleverly choreographed. The magic, in my opinion, isn't used often enough, but is rather cool when it happens. So yes, I enjoyed it as a piece of mindless entertainment - but for me, the definitive King Arthur story is still Excalibur. Mostly authentic feel, sticks to the legend - and who can beat O Fortuna for a repeating theme in the soundtrack?

Tomorrow, thinking of film again - Mubi's highest rated offering is still I Vitelloni.

London Literary Walks' music quiz is still running..

And next Saturday, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for - ooh! Matthew Bourne's production of The Nutcracker! Wow, delighted - I love Matthew Bourne, and haven't seen this. And hopefully, the audio issues from earlier will be sorted! That doesn't usually happen.