Movie Review: A Knight's Tale

A friend and I were hanging around Best Buy one day a few years ago. He wandered idly thru the computer department looking for his next new toy... I, getting very bored with the newest video cards, wander over to the DVD movie section. Being a collector of all things Medieval/Renaissance, A Knight's Tale catches my eye right off.

When we meet back up to check out, he glances at the movie and comments that I won't like it due to the modern music. I bought it anyway ($15 at the time, $10 now) and absolutely loved this movie! I've now watched A Knight's Tale approximately 25 times and it just keeps getting better. Just goes to show how much men know. heh.

What's it about?
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic, A Knight's Tale is a wonderful medieval movie spanning the life of William Thatcher. Born of peasants, son of a thatcher (roof maker guy), young William dreams of becoming a knight. William's father then arranges for him to become employed by a famous knight at a very early age. In between jousting matches, his knight sorta dies... and our now grown up William gets this idea in his head to impersonate the dead knight. What ensues is just delightful! Do not expect total and complete historical accuracy. Expect a fun blend of the medieval and the modern... jousting set to Queen's We Will Rock You and the like.

The Cast
Heath Ledger is absolutely perfect in his role as William, and not just because he's drop-dead gorgeous... Ledger has this certain way of setting his jaw that you just know he is not going to be swayed (or will he?). Ledger is able to convince us of Thatcher's determination, glee at winning, anger at losing, and every other emotion. His facial expressions and body language are so natural and on the money. I'm now scanning for other movies with this hot young star.

Shannyn Sossamon plays Jocelyn, a princess who has caught the eye of both William and his nemesis. I have nothing against Sossamon. Indeed, I think she is a fine actress, and she played the part she was saddled with well. My problem lies with the character itself. Now, I understand that they were going for a blend of historical and modern... but Sossamon's costumes and hair styles were just a bit much.

Rufus Sewel plays the thorn in the side of William, a rather evil and conceited knight by name of Count Adhemar. Sewel has always come thru in any role he has played and this one is no exception. He gives this character just the right amount of snide. I openly cheer William on against Adhemar. *grin*

Paul Bettany plays Chaucer...yes, the Chaucer as a horrible gambler who often ends up losing his pants...quite literally! Bettany is just delightful in this role. He is sarcastic as all get out, and very showy. I loved the brassness of this character. It is clear that Bettany had a marvelous time with this role.

Mark Addy of The Full Monty fame plays William's side-kick Roland. Addy is a good actor and all he has to do is raise an eyebrow to get me rolling. Very well cast as the plump straight-man to the comedic elements.

Alan Tudyk plays Wat, a friend to William with somewhat of a temper..but it's a brilliantly portrayed funny temper! Tudyk had me laughing uproariously numerous times throughout this movie. His timing is impeccable. Him and Bettany play off each other to perfection.

Directed by...
...Oscar winner Brian Helgeland of L.A. Confidential fame. Helgeland's goal was a seamless bridge between then and now. I wouldn't say he achieved that goal, but he came damned close. The only flaw in his ointment was the costuming of Sossaman, which I've already griped about.

Music
Herein lies the brilliance. The addition of music such as Queen'sWe Will Rock You and David Bowie'sGolden Years gave this movie an energy often lacking in period pieces. How can you not get excited listening to BTO'sTakin' Care of Business? Other bands you'll hear in this movie are Thin Lizzy, War, and Rare Earth. A very driving sound track that keeps this movie very energetic.

DVD Features
*Length is 132 minutes

*Small booklet with little tidbits about the filming, casting etc.

*Deleted scenes

*Music Video

*Theatrical Trailers

*Widescreen, with French or English subtitles

*HBO making-of special

*Commentary by Helgeland and Bettany

*11 behind the scenes features

*Filmographies

*Production notes

*Exclusive 3-d Screen saver

Final 2 Pence
The costuming was very realistic, although it did span centuries. This is OK, it was supposed to be a blend.

The jousting was very close to true. Some have complained that there was perhaps too much of it. I disagree. I can never watch enough jousting. I adore it.

Rated PG-13 for, I assume, violent jousting and Bettany's nekid rear-end. I see no reason whatsoever that this could not be viewed by children of all ages.

This movie was meant to be fun, and it is! Watch it for what it is and you will not be disappointed. A Knight's Tale is a must-have for any collector of this genre. Ignore the nay-sayers. Buy it. Buy it NOW.