Amazon acquired the streaming rights for A24’s latest masterpiece, which sadly means it has almost entirely missed a cinema release in the UK. While it is wonderful that this amazing film may find a wider audience on a major streaming platform, my heart aches too; this is one of the most incredible works of cinema-as-art I’ve experienced in years and it truly deserved to be savoured on the Big Screen.
Based on the 14th century tale of Sir Gawain and The Green Knight – a “chivalric romance” supposedly (though much weirder than that description implies), the original poem was written down by an unknown author and is part of the pantheon of Arthurian legends. In it, Gawain (the nephew of Arthur) – played with wonderful intensity by Dev Patel – finds himself trapped by honour to fulfil an oath to a mysterious figure – the Green Knight of the title – an oath that will almost certainly require his life in payment. Like many of these stories, it is rich in allusions and symbolism as it explores the chivalric code and the actions needed to preserve one’s honour.
That’s what it’s “about” in theory. But the telling of this tale is twisty and deceiving, like the murky shadows of distorted reality reflected in a King’s drinking goblet. I’ve always adored John Boorman’s EXCALIBUR (itself a very trippy movie) but this is so much more pure in its vision. It’s steeped in mysticism and wonder. With landscapes of its primeval Britain drowning in wispy fog and the smoke of lost battles. Where giants touch the clouds. And spirits commune with the living. There’s a distinctly surreal, dreamlike Lynchian quality here. And the layers of visual symbolism in play are absolutely fascinating. Days after seeing this film, I’m still thinking about it – and making new connections.
From a production perspective, it looks amazing – every frame is a painting. The cinematography, production design and costumes bring the world to vivid life. There’s some historical anachronisms, but they oddly kind of work – since they occur in some of the strangest parts of the tale. Daniel Hart’s score is haunting and evocative and reminded me more than a little of Dead Can Dance. It’s paired with rich and immersive sound design, capturing the oppressive feel of this dank, mysterious and unknowable world.
So, yes – I loved it. However, that doesn’t mean everyone will. It’s a slow movie, all about texture and tone. If you’re looking for entertainment, well – watch FREE GUY instead. But if you feel like getting your art on, then this is most wholeheartedly recommended. Now I need to read some of the original tales!
