Directed by John Boorman | UK | 142 mins
After his own attempt to adapt Lord of the Rings fell through, filmmaker John Boorman (Zardoz, Exorcist II: The Heretic) decided to bring his own unique sensibilities to the legend of King Arthur. Together with screenwriting partner Rospo Pallenberg he crafted a cinematic adaptation that covers the whole of the Arthurian legend, from his conception to his downfall, largely adapting Sir Thomas Mallory's Le morte d'Arthur.
Boorman sought to create a vision of Arthur that ignored "historical accuracy" in favour of "mythological accuracy", weaving together various different versions of the legends as they have existed over the centuries into one coherent tale expressing the theme of a ruler's responsibility to his land and its peoples. Boorman's film combines Christian and Celtic themes and abandons visual realism for a symbolic depiction of its characters flaws, pride, and beliefs as seen in knights who never remove their literal shining armour, a diegetic film score, and a dizzying array of visual tricks to bring to life a mythological world.
Excalibur is a who's who of talented British and Irish actors, and its dazzling visuals include beautiful location shooting in Ireland. With a stand out performances from Nicol Williamson as Merlin, Helen Mirren as Morgana, and Nigel Terry as Arthur, Excalibur remains one of the greatest and most unique adaptations of the Arthurian mythos ever committed to celluloid, a true epic in every sense of the word.
Written by Ben Rowe.
Part of our Sword & Sorcery: Adventures in Auteur Fantasy Series
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.