By TC Lesesne
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Based on the 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", The Green Knight is in theaters and the buzz is all about how audiences either "get it" or "Don't get it". At first, I didn't get it at all. I was clueless until I did a little homework on the story and realized that I may have just watched a landmark film. As I share my out-of-the-box perspective on the film, I readily admit that I got lost a few times in this eye-popping tale that weaves fantasy, bravery, and stupidity around the efforts of King Author to find his successor.
It was one entire riddle all based on one man's experience with his truth, and his fate. It has symbolism at every turn while it's gorgeous to look at in spite of being a rather dark film. The 2021 American epic medieval fantasy film was directed, written, edited, and produced by David Lowery. That puts him in a rare space, It stars Dev Patel as Gawain, a nephew of King Arthur, who sets out on a journey to test his courage and face the Green Knight. It also stars Alicia Vikander, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Sean Harris, and Ralph Ineson.
While some were disappointed with the film, many more were dazzled by it, showering it with rave reviews. It received acclaim from critics, with praise for Lowery's direction, its themes, Patel's performance, and its cinematography. One critic said, "this film is a myth: nothing in it is random, everything is important/symbolic, and things/people/events can represent more than one thing, simultaneously." I agree that the film is many things all rolled into one story.
David Lowery gets extra cool points for holding down the roles of screenwriter, director, AND editor. That's more than a full plate for a film as complex and dynamic as this one. Still, he pulls it off with an artist's touch.
I also understand David Lowery 's drive to create a mythical, magical emotional story about a legendary character in the world of King Author. It was exotic, yet bland, tense, yet patient. There was a purpose in the storytelling that I appreciate much more upon reflection. I would definitely suggest it for you hard-core movie fans that want to be the movie connoisseur. You'll have to decide for yourself if this film will be a short-lived theatrical release or a long-term classic for the ages.
THE GREEN KNIGHT
Directed by David Lowery Screenplay by David Lowery
Based on "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Produced by
Toby Halbrook James M. Johnston David Lowery
Tim Headington Theresa Steele Page
Starring
Dev Patel Alicia Vikander Joel Edgerton
Sarita Choudhury Sean Harris Ralph Ineson
Cinematography Andrew Droz Palermo Edited by David Lowery
Music by Daniel Hart
Production companies: Ley Line Ent; Bron Studios; Wild Atlantic Pictures; Sailor Bear
Distributed by A24 Release date: July 30, 2021 Running time: 130 minutes
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