There are more examples of a double edged sword of comedy fighting with reality. One of the first jokes that appears to be outrageously fictional is the interaction with the ever persistent black knight. Medieval combat was quick and brutal. King Arthur even prays asking for forgiveness. A good example of combat and the role of Christianity in knighthood.
The taunting Frenchmen. While there would be no Frenchmen in Britain during this time, this scene does excel at showing the impenetrable nature of castles without having a sizable army.
The look of the film is quite pleasing both in appearance and accuracy. A major detractor from this being the very distinct lack of horses, something that is critical to the idea of the knight. However, from the Armour and heraldry to the structures and filth of the villages. The Armour has the appearances of historical armor belonging to the higher class of knights. One knight in particular even had issues keeping his visor out of his eyes.
My main issue with this particular movie is how difficult it is to extract proper history from the midst of the jokes. A viewer who is not already acquainted with the middle ages would struggle to determine what is outright fiction, and to even begin to believe that any of this movie is based in reality at all. Although, having watched The Holy Grail in the past, I now have a greater appreciation for the film. Through seeing how its based in reality I can see what inspired it, almost like being let into an inside joke. I would recommend anyone in this class or reader of the blog to give this movie a second watch… or a thirty-second; and for first time viewers not to worry about catching all the jokes, just enjoy.
And if you have no interest in watching Monty Python and The Holy Grail then well...
I agree the "feel" as outrageous as it is (!) still does stand the test of time. Lots of green grass, real castes (not just replicas as they suggest), and I love the packs and trumpets. I think done by others the background could have been more tasteless. However, the MUD and DIRT and BROWN--that likely plays on medieval stereotypes and might do some damage. If we count the illuminated manuscripts and the book of knights, we do have some color.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie in full, but I can tell from what I have seen that they were pretty accurate in showing what Medieval Europe looked like with a very limited budget (lack of horses aside). The castles, armor, and heraldry really stand out. I agree though that this movie may not be the best at gathering historical knowledge of Medieval times given the film is mostly known for its humor and memorable quotes. Still, I will definitely check the full movie out soon.
ReplyDeleteOkay, after an ending gif like that, now I have to watch the film. I'll take your word for it that it makes it even better to watch the film with a history background, and be glad I haven't seen it until I have that background.
ReplyDeleteI have said it before, and I will say it again, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of the best films of all time. I enjoyed your comparison of how the film is a good basis for understanding Medieval themes but not always the best example of accurate history. While this film may not be the best representation of factual history, it certainly has a huge cult following and has no doubt sparked an interest for many to learn more about the time period.
ReplyDeleteIf you find this film to be funny, I highly suggest you watch the original trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urRkGvhXc8w