Merlin: "That's it... and look upon this moment. Savor it! Rejoice with great gladness! Great gladness! Remember it always, for you are joined by it. You are One, under the stars. Remember it well, then... this night, this great victory. So that in the years ahead, you can say, 'I was there that night, with Arthur, the King!' For it is the doom of men that they forget."
—from the film 'Excalibur'
Films are so important to me. I've never been a fan of television or most mass media—however movies—certain movies—hold the same place in my heart as great literature. And one of my favorites of all time is the 1981 John Boorman film "Excalibur".
I have never seen, before or since, a more beautiful or more magically accurate version of this story. Each scene is full of symbology and each character is a perfect archetype. The
costumes and sets— each scene— is so incredibly sumptuous and beautiful. A real feast for the eyes (I have always wanted Morgana's fringed peacock cape, and have that on my 'to make for myself someday' list :)
Visually, this film reminds me a great deal of Alan Lee's artwork inspired by the Aurthurian legends. I'm also endeared to it because it was an annual tradition in our house to watch it after attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Novato, California. ( Though medieval and not renaissance, still somehow it carried a similar mood.)
'Excalibur' was an early film for many actors who later became famous. Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, Rutger Hauer and Gabriel Byrne, to name just a few. There was also the beautiful and talented Helen Mirren as Morgana and the incredible Nicol Williamson as Merlin.
Trevor Jones did the magical score. My favorite piece is "Igraine's Dance' :
So, go and watch it,and enjoy! :)
