CLASSIC MOVIE CORNER: 'Excalibur' (1981)

Nigel Terry
in 'Excalibur'“Excalibur” (1981)

MPAA Rating: R
Directed by: John Boorman
Starring: Nigel Terry, Nicol Williamson, Cherie Lunghi, Helen Mirren, Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart

The Gist: A centuries-old epic gets the rip-roaring Hollywood treatment.

The Story: There’s more to Arthur (Terry) than meets the eye. This humble squire is the illegitimate son of Uther Pendragon (Byrne), a mighty warrior and one-time king of England. The wizard Merlin (Williamson) guards the secret of Arthur’s ancestry, until the fateful day when the boy accomplishes the impossible. He draws the fabled sword Excalibur from a stone, where it’s rested for years. Fulfilling an old prophecy, Arthur is crowned the new king of England. In an age when people are driven by greed, envy, lust and thirst for power, King Arthur shows the world a better way. But trouble lurks as Arthur’s corrupt half-sister Morgana (Mirren) plots to dethrone him.

The Review: For years, British-born filmmaker John Boorman fought to bring his vision of the Arthurian legend to the silver screen. Boorman finally realized his dream when he produced, directed and co-wrote “Excalibur.” The film bears Boorman’s signature style: beautifully photographed and wildly over-the-top. “Excalibur” is filled with fiery, bloody battles and brawny Englishmen yelling at each other. The soundtrack borrows heavily from Wagnerian operas: a fitting compliment to a larger-than-life adventure. Cinematographer Alex Thomson earned an Oscar nomination for his sensational lighting and camera work.