Of all the Arthurian tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, as the anonymously published, late 14th century epic poem is known, is among the least familiar to film audiences, having been adapted for the big screen only twice before, in unmemorable Brit productions - Gawain and the Green Knight in 1973 and Sword of the Valiant in 1984, both of them directed by Stephen Weeks. The company is cleverly marketing a limited-edited original tabletop roleplaying game based on the film, which stands to boost its cult potential with fantasy fanatics. The A24 release will possibly be too weirdly enigmatic for mainstream tastes, but audiences willing to surrender to its unique spell will savor their time in Gawain’s World. Lowery’s cine-literacy also points to his eclectic influences - Terrence Malick’s stamp is all over his first film the visual textures of The Old Man & the Gun are right out of ‘70s New Hollywood the transfixing rhythms of A Ghost Story take their cue from the haunting slow-cinema lyricism of Apichatpong Weerasethakul and the director acknowledges Ron Howard’s Willow as a key ‘80s-throwback inspiration on this new film, which nonetheless feels entirely original in its imaginative world-building. 5/10.Cast: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, Kate Dickie, Barry Keoghan, Erin Kellyman, Helena Browne, Ralph Ineson In conclusion, very difficult to rate and review. Too much of the script is too rambling and there is not much fresh or insightful about it. The whole ending also felt confusing and it feels rather abrupt as well. Some interesting themes here, not dug into deeply or insightfully enough. Furthermore, the symbolism is very heavy handed and not easy to get the head round. Lowery directs with ambition but sometimes it was very more style than substance and show offy. If you read any synopsis that indicates that a lot goes on, it didn't feel like it to me with a lot of scenes going on for too long, everything that happens post the battlefield sequence (which was well done) to the arrival at the Green Chapel feels like forever. On the other hand, the story felt dully paced and over-extended, starting off with great promise but meanders about a lot in the second half. The music has a haunting ominous vibe and had no problem with how it was placed, also felt that it suited the tone of the story and didn't come over as too heavy. The effects work shows a lot of professionalism and care. Very handsome and atmospheric scenery enhanced by the vibrant yet also moody photography. Also cannot fault the production values, which are quite wonderful. ![]() Did think that it started off great, very thought provoking and with a very haunting, creepy mood. Alicia Vikander is suitably enigmatic and 'The Borgias' Sean Harris makes the most of his short screen time. Cannot fault the acting, with Patel giving perhaps his best performance to date in full command of a strongly written role. 'The Green Knight' does have good things. ![]() Actually saw 'The Green Knight' last year, but it has taken a while for me to think over and adequately sum up what my thoughts were. There are also bad things, and a few of the bad things are worse than bad. There are good things, and those good things are actually quite outstanding. Really wanted to like it, with how much it had going for it and how highly recommended it was, but it was wildly uneven. Somehow though, 'The Green Knight' was one of those difficult to rate and review films. The subject did fascinate me a good deal and have no problem with symbolism or slow pacing, have even in the past defended films with heavy symbolism and/or slow pacing. Also like Dev Patel, with him coming on a long way as an actor, and have liked David Lowery's other work. Despite one of the biggest divides in critical reception (critical acclaim) and audience reactions (much more polarising, with a large amount of strong dislike) of any film seen by me, 'The Green Knight' was still seen anyway on high recommendation from my sister.
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