A Knight's Tale 

View Date: May 5th, 2001

Cast :

Written and Directed by: Brian Helgeland 

Movies tend to reflect the nature and characteristics of the season in which they are released, whether this is intentional or not is hard to say, but there are definite similarities that exist.  For example, Fall movies tend to be a bit more serious, but still a bit warm from summer’s heat, while Winter movies are cold and serious, as award positioning begins.  Springtime brings lighthearted faire, usually not the most thought provoking faire and of course the summer movie, full of energy, action, jubilance and fun, and usually devoid of intelligence, originality or unique, dramatic flair.  A Knight’s Tale is a perfect example of what a summer movie is, and should be, both good and bad.  It is fluffy, predictable, flashy, loud, full of eye candy and action scenes, but devoid of anything resembling serious filmmaking.  It is made for the sheer fun and enjoyment of those who watch it, and in depth analysis would destroy this façade.  Its failure comes from when it tries to be something more, or fails to capitalize on a presented opportunity.  Overall though, A Knights Tale will serve its purpose, make some money, and make people feel good and smile, and then fade from memory to allow for the next blockbuster to come along.

Based loosely, I’m guessing, on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the hero of our story is young William Thatcher who has jousting in his heart, but no blue in his blood, so he cannot legally compete.  Enter Chaucer (a wildly entertaining Bettany) who offers to create Thatcher’s bloodline and background, which he hilariously announces before each match in manner that made me anticipate Michael Buffer style rumble comments after a while, and Thatcher, or Ulrick of Lichenstein as he is now known, is born.  The movie follows a set pattern, to keep its simplicity, yet complicates it when it delves or deviates too much from the straight and narrow predictable pattern.  We have a hero, we have a bad guy, we have his comic foils and band of cohorts, we have a love interest and we have an ultimate competition, leaving an expected conclusion.  The flaws in the movie come when these points are belabored (140 minute running time is way too much, this story deserved a more compact product) and when the points are dwelled on too deeply, or taken too seriously, such as anytime the father/son story is focused on, or whenever Ledger spouts anything even remotely romantic or serious, and thinks that he means it.  He is a pretty face, but he has yet to really prove that he can carry a movie.  Bettany does stand out continually, as Chaucer, with his introductions and flowery language and delivery, and the spunk of  Fraser as a female blacksmith and female presence who actually existed without having to be involved romantically, go figure.  It shows the nature and potential that existed, and for the most part succeeds, stumbling slightly on its way to a mediocre, but still thoroughly enjoyable experience.

 Ultimately, A Knights Tale is a perfect example of summer fluff with a classic rock soundtrack that seeks to appeal to a broad base of fans for financial gain.  Ledger exists to show off his good looks in a career-building showcase, while the music is brought in to bring a modern touch to things, and let baby boomers relate via aural association.  Historians may be abhorred by the butchering of details, and in depth thinkers will be able to find plot holes and inconsistencies to drive a chariot through, but if you sit back and just absorb it for what its worth, it can be harmless fun that could’ve been much better, had they not taken themselves so seriously too often and focused on the fun and fight scenes rather than trying to build a serious storyline for us to be concerned.The story and movie never surprises, never shocks, but often delights, and has a relatable soundtrack which requires a time bending reality that exists in Hollywood, but who cares, its kind of fun to see medieval crowds in a music induced frenzy of a football crowd from We Will Rock You. So turn off your brains, and sit back and just enjoy the film for what it is, pure Hollywood escapism, with some cool sounds and fight scenes, to satisfy your palate, and little else. ($$$ out of $$$$)

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