Knights Tale, A
Set in Medieval times, A Knight's Tale tells the story of peasant Squire William Thatcher (Ledger), who travels Europe with his Knight, aiding him in preparation for fighting tournaments (jousting, sword fighting etc.)
Set in Medieval times, A Knight's Tale tells the story of peasant Squire William Thatcher (Ledger), who travels Europe with his Knight, aiding him in preparation for fighting tournaments (jousting, sword fighting etc.) When his Knight dies during a tournament, William assumes his position to earn money to feed him and his companions, hot headed Wat (Tudyk) and father figure Roland (Addy). Rather than quit whilst they were ahead, they decide to continue to enter competitions to feed and clothe themselves, despite it being illegal for someone to enter the competitions without noble blood.
They are soon joined by a bare bottomed Geoff Chaucher (Bettany), whose eloquent introductions heralding the arrival of Sir Ulrik Von Lichtenstein of Gelderland (Thatcher's alias) sows the seeds for modern boxing promoters.
All goes well until Thatcher spies the beautiful Jocelyn (Sossamon), who, in typical fashion, adds considerable complexity to his life, and his goal to become Champion, wrestling the title from Count Adhemar (Sewell), who also has eyes for Jocelyn and is suspicious of Lichtenstein's heritage...
What we have here is an age old tale of desire and ambition, set in the Medieval times and pitched as a World Wrestling Federation for peasants. Set to a continuous stream of rock music and crunching action, it seems like an odd way to tell a period piece. Shakespear In Love this is not, though the humour is certainly in line with that film. It's an entertaining mix of styles which leaves something for everyone - plenty of laugh out loud moments complement some touching scenes of honesty for the ladies, whilst the jousting scenes are so realistic it beggars belief that no-one was serisouly injured, and not a CGI Knight in sight!
Great performances all round here, but worth particular mention are those of newcomer Shannyn Sossamon, who plays Jocelyn with a coy sensitivity that adds an extra layer to the film; and Paul Bettany, whose Chaucher is the root of the majority of the film's charisma, having all the best lines, and having to be naked for a large amount of the film. His character's acceptance of his predicament is beautifully portrayed in the first scene as he pats the horses head when passing the group, buck naked.
The direction is good throughout, though at times spoilt the pace. An example of this is William and Jocelyn's discussion in Notre Dame. Shot from a distance throughout, whilst they hold an intimate discussion, it actually drew me away from the characters, particularly Jocelyn. A close up would have much better served her point of view as being a valid one. The film only really falters in explaining William's drive to change his fate, and why he recalls so vividly the memories of his father. So when the story stops whilst the father plot is resolved, it doesn't fit well in to the movie. Earlier development of this aspect of the plot was needed. I particularly enjoyed the modern references - the nike sign and clapping to Queen's "We Will Rock You" being two good examples.
Now on to the DVD. Anamorphic picture is clear and colourful throughout, and the DD5.1 sound absolutely rocks, particularly during the jousting scenes, with the roar of the crowd and the gallop of the horses intelligently utilising the surround channels. Neat animated menus hide a wealth of information. A short featurette gives a little insight in to the film, but the multiple making of featurettes are an absolute pleasure. Detailed, with lots of behind the scenes footage and relevent interviews, it gives a great insight in to the making of the movie, and how they achieved some of the amazing stunts. Add a rather odd Robbie Williams video (We are the champions) and you have a packed DVD.
Overall, this is a great film. One to watch a few times and suitable for viewing by all ages.
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