For my next choice, I decided to cover this gem from 2001. Director Brian Helgeland wanted to tell a story set in the times of old, before games like basketball, football or baseball were the preferred popular sporting events. And through Columbia Pictures, he was able to do just that.
The film opens on squires William Thatcher, Roland, and Wat, who have discovered that their master, Sir Ector, has passed away. Problem is, he did so right in the middle of a jousting tournament, for which he was a participant. The three know that they shall not see any payment if their master is unable to compete, so William decides to wear Sir Ector's armor and impersonate him. Only because he is not himself a Knight, if he is caught, bad things will happen. After actually achieving victory, William decides that he could continue to impersonate a Knight so that they can win themselves more prizes and riches, to which Wat and Roland disagree. But soon, they begin training, and forming together a new persona for William to take on.
The film opens on squires William Thatcher, Roland, and Wat, who have discovered that their master, Sir Ector, has passed away. Problem is, he did so right in the middle of a jousting tournament, for which he was a participant. The three know that they shall not see any payment if their master is unable to compete, so William decides to wear Sir Ector's armor and impersonate him. Only because he is not himself a Knight, if he is caught, bad things will happen. After actually achieving victory, William decides that he could continue to impersonate a Knight so that they can win themselves more prizes and riches, to which Wat and Roland disagree. But soon, they begin training, and forming together a new persona for William to take on.
While venturing down a dirt path one day, the trio come upon a disheveled man, sitting naked in the road, asking for the possibility of any food or clothing they could spare. Giving his name as Geoffrey Chaucer, they come to a deal with him that they will allow him to join their group as long as he uses his talents as a writer to scribe the Patent of Nobility that William needs in order to enter different contests. They choose to call William "Sir Ulrich Von Liechenstein" from the Province of Gelderland. Not only that, but Chaucer also becomes William's personal announcer, proclaiming to the crowd the amazing feats that his master has accomplished in his life.
They soon begin seeing victory after victory, and things are looking pretty good. But William finds himself smitten with a noblewoman named Jocelyn, and the two begin a rather unorthodox courtship. However, there is another man after her heart, Count Adhemar, who also wishes to win everything. It soon become's William's personal mission to both win the heart of Jocelyn, while at the same time soundly defeat Adhemar. The group is soon joined by a blacksmith named Kate, who creates a special kind of armor for William to wear in the jousts.
Over time, William gains enough victories to allow him entrance into the jousting World Championship, being held in his homeland of England. While there, he pays a visit to his father, who he hasn't laid eyes upon in over 12 years. He is, of course, unaware that Adhemar has followed him, and found out his secret. William refuses to run, and is sent straight to the stockade. But fate would be on his side, as he is rescued by Edward, Black Prince of Wales, who in front of a live crowd, turns William into a Knight, Sir William Thatcher. William is finally able to defeat Adhemar, and settle down to enjoy his new life with Jocelyn.
Over time, William gains enough victories to allow him entrance into the jousting World Championship, being held in his homeland of England. While there, he pays a visit to his father, who he hasn't laid eyes upon in over 12 years. He is, of course, unaware that Adhemar has followed him, and found out his secret. William refuses to run, and is sent straight to the stockade. But fate would be on his side, as he is rescued by Edward, Black Prince of Wales, who in front of a live crowd, turns William into a Knight, Sir William Thatcher. William is finally able to defeat Adhemar, and settle down to enjoy his new life with Jocelyn.
I think the thing I love the most about this movie is the choice of casting. Heath Ledger had been introduced to American audiences just a couple years prior in "10 Things I Hate About You", and was just coming off the success of the Mel Gibson period piece "The Patriot" when he was cast in the role of William Thatcher. This was basically his first opportunity at a starring role with himself as the main cog in the wheel, and he shines through with the flashes of brilliance that we would come to know from him over the years before his untimely death in 2008. Mark Addy and Alan Tudyk brought fantastic elements to the roles of Roland and Wat. Same can be said for the choice of Laura Fraser at Kate, the discriminated female blacksmith. Rufus Sewell provides a pretty convincing villain with Adhemar, and newcomer Shannon Sossamon is a delight as Jocelyn. But other than Ledger, the light shined brightest on the choice for Geoffrey Chaucer, one Paul Bettany. His quick-witted words and antics were a joy to both see and hear, and the emotion he brought to the role is simply marvelous.
I thoroughly applaud the filmmakers for choosing to make a period piece that heavily utilized modern-day rock music throughout the film. The opening sequence with the crowd awaiting the start of the jousting tournament, but using Queen's iconic "We Will Rock You" was a stroke of genius. Actually, the entire opening sequence itself reminds you of the typical modern day sporting event, with people screaming at the top of their lungs, painted faces, and food vendors walking through the crowd trying to sell their stuff. During a dancing scene at a banquet, they started out with the usual light classical-style music, but soon faded in to David Bowie's "Golden Years", a damn fine choice! Other artists used for the film's soundtrack include Eric Clapton, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, AC/DC, Sly and the Family Stone, War, and Robbie Williams.
I have always loved this movie. Sure, the story might not be incredibly original, but they were able to take it and do something different with it. And by adding their own spin, they created something that has become quite memorable, and helped showcase a man who would go on to have a stellar career.
I have always loved this movie. Sure, the story might not be incredibly original, but they were able to take it and do something different with it. And by adding their own spin, they created something that has become quite memorable, and helped showcase a man who would go on to have a stellar career.