MovieChat Forums > Excalibur (1981) Discussion > Pure poetry

Pure poetry

posted 6 years ago by Neckk (342)
10 replies | jump to latest

Finally saw this for the first time. This is an amazing film that demands repeated viewings. Had a pretty simple, yet deep story line. For as much as the film covered (decades), none of it ever felt rushed. Most movies feel like theyre simply going through a checklist, but this felt like it was always simmering. I didn't know this was going to be an epic going in, but the pacing kept this from getting stale without feeling bloated.

The soundtrack was great. Wardrobe and lighting were phenomenal. Not the greatest acting, but what this film was trying to accomplished and what it did accomplish merits forgiveness in that department. It was also nice seeing Gabriel Bryne, Liam Neeson (sp?), and Patrick Stewart. Before this, I never could have imagined Patrick Stewart being a brute. What a sight it was to see.

I've been on an 80's sword/sorcery movie binge and this was the 2nd on my list. Probably a big mistake since I don't think any are going to top this.

[–] twinA (4921) 6 years ago

Look at this way, at least you got enjoy this distinguished film before recognizing any tropes or familiar themes you're sure to encounter through your list. Your description really makes me want to see this.

~~/o/

[–] R_Kane (15828) 6 years ago

Conan the Barbarian (the REAL one, not the remake) tops it, but now you know why it’s been futile and arrogant to have tried making any more Autherian movies after Excalibur.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

I agree with both opinions.

[–] ccr1633 (1523) 4 years ago

Stylistically, Boorman did something brilliant in effecting the entire film with a dreamlike quality that mirrors the mythology of the entire Arthurian legend. The atmosphere and some of the concomitant confusion associated with a first viewing was purposeful and, in my opinion, a necessary adjunct to a tale that we'd like to believe is rooted in history but really isn't. Treating the legend in a straightforward, easily understood manner that grounds it in reality does it a disservice.

[–] Owlwise (1535) 4 years ago

The acting is somewhat stylized & over the top by usual standards, but I think it works for this larger than life, operatic, dreamlike film. These are figures of legend, still halfway in the realm of the mythic; their language should reflect that, being primal & poetic & intense & "unrealistic" for maximum effect. At least, that's how it's always struck me.

[–] PersistentViewer (2377) 2 years ago

I agree. This is pure poetry.
It's a wonderful film.

The costume department probably had the biggest portion of the budget of this film. It was wonderful to hear the clammering of battle armour. It was a glorious sound throughout the film.

The acting was good in some parts, very overacted in others. But hey, it was the 80's. A wonderful time for film, where the producers really made an effort to tell a good story.

Everyone involved did a fabulous job.
I highly recommend this film.

[–] Mrmojo4700 (21452) 2 years ago

The siege of Leodegrance’s castle was fantastic.

[–] SamNoyoun (5827) 2 years ago

Great film, I must have watched it dozens of times(it played constantly on HBO back in the day!) Watched it again recently, it absolutely holds up...

[–] stickman38 (3346) 2 years ago

Yeah, it's one of my favorite movies, I got it on DVD. The DVD commentary by John Boorman is worth listening too.

As far as 80s sword and sorcery go, I would suggest DragonSlayer (1981), if you haven't already seen it. It has a very similar feel to it.

Another good one is Clash Of the Titans (1981), its better than the 2010 remake. But it's more set in a time of antiquity rather than middle ages.

[–] R_Kane (15828) a year ago

Top it? Question whether any will equal it.