‘Excalibur’: 44 Years Ago, This Medieval Epic Ignited the Dark Fantasy Craze

Numerous cinematic versions have been based on the legend of King Arthur, ranging from the humorous version by Monty Python to the animated version by Disney and the portrayal of the legendary king by Dev Patel. But one movie, ‘Excalibur’ by John Boorman, sticks out for its distinct interpretation and enduring impact on the dark fantasy subgenre. ‘Excalibur’, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary next year and has a stellar ensemble that includes Liam Neeson, Patrick Stewart, and Helen Mirren, has had a significant influence on the fantasy genre.
The film opens with the traditional tale of the sword lodged in a stone, which dates back to King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon. It follows Arthur (Nigel Terry) as he sets out on a quest for the Holy Grail, creates the fabled Camelot, falls in love with Guinevere (Cherie Lunghi), and recovers the sword Excalibur. Alongside Arthur’s tale, the movie tells a broader tale of good vs evil, which is embodied by Arthur’s evil half-sister Morgana (Mirren) and the magician Merlin (Nicol Williamson).
Image Courtesy: The Spool
Bob Ringwood’s costume design and Alex Thomson’s cinematography contribute to ‘Excalibur’ remarkable visual aesthetic. With its stunning depictions of ice caverns, illuminated scenes, and gleaming armour, the movie is a visual feast. The production design, which was shot in Ireland, is surreal and frequently extravagant. In one particularly unforgettable scene, Arthur breaks Excalibur, and to a haunting voice, the Lady of the Lake (Telsche Boorman) emerges from the lake with its shattered half.
‘Excalibur’ has several flaws despite its stunning visuals, especially in the way it depicts women. Even the Lady of the Lake remains silent, and several female characters—including Guinevere and Igrayne—are reduced to nothing more than objects of desire. Although Morgana, played by Mirren, is a strong character, she is essentially a one-dimensional antagonist. The movie also had awkward, stilted dialogue, which is typical of fantasy movies. ‘Excalibur’ is still a significant movie, nevertheless, having influenced later dark fantasy works like ‘The Green Knight’ and Zack Snyder’s DC movies.
–Farheen Ali