The Mosley Review: The Green Knight
Throughout the ages there have been countless stories or tales that focus on King Arthur and his Knights of the Roundtable. They're all great and fun, but I have always been a fan of the stories that surrounded his reign and the mythical nature of them. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was one of those stories I loved reading in high school and it has stuck with me for those exact themes. There have been many adaptations of the famous story and this has to be one of the best I've ever seen. The romanticism of going on a quest to meet a foe is a tried and true story mechanic, but this film paints a more intimate picture as you are with the main character the entire step of the way. The scope of this adventure was massive yet small and I loved that it took its time and let you live in the world. The benefit of a slower and melodic pace truly enriches the storytelling and drives home the finer details of visual storytelling. It may not be for everyone, but this was such a magnificent adventure that is led by a stellar cast and it shouldn’t missed.
Dev Patel plays Sir Gawain and his portrayal of the character was outstanding. He nailed the characters bravery and hesitation once the opportunity to show his worth comes. You spend the entire time with the him and you feel his heart become more weary the closer he gets to his appointment with the Green Knight. I love seeing a character truly being tested physically, emotionally, morally and psychologically and Patel brings all of that home. Sarita Choudhury plays his mother/ Morgan Le Fay and I did love her nurturing words and her belief that Gawain would succeed. She has a darker motive and it comes off as if this was her chance to get at the King or test her son's character. It kind of wasn't clear in my opinion. Sean Harris was excellent as I interpreted him to be King Arthur. I loved that he portrayed him as a much older man and you can see the man's bloody and noble past in his eyes. Kate Dickie plays his Queen and I interpreted her to be Guinevere. Like Harris, you get the sense that she has seen just as much if not more than Arthur and the two of them were perfect together. It was a more human portrayal of the icons and my down to earth. Alicia Vikander does double duty in this film as Lady/Esel and she was stellar as both. As Lady, I liked her as the whore with a heart of gold and the chemistry between her and Gawain was so great that you wanted to see that happily ever after for them. As Esel, she exudes the confidence and intrigue Alicia is known for. She is the test of seduction that was fun and enchanting. Joel Edgerton was awesome as Esel's husband, Lord. He has so many great questions, stories and he kind of lightens the mood once he's on screen. I loved his portrayal of the character it was one of my favorite chapters of the film.
Barry Keoghan was great and slimy as the Scavenger. He comes off as welcoming, but he represented the test of will for Gawain and it was a great moment of visual storytelling between the two of them. Erin Kellyman was creepy and haunting as Winifred. Her story was great and had a small bit of comedy in it that I liked even if her presence brings a spooky vibe. Aside from Dev Patel, there is one man that was perfectly cast as one of the most iconic literary characters and that was Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight. His presence alone sends chills down your spine. Ralph's voice is so powerful and somewhat demonic that once he speaks, you feel as if you are hearing the voice of a God. As the Green Knight, he was fun, intimidating and shockingly jovial. I loved that he doesn't say a word not worth speaking and how his game was the true test. Ralph really brought to life the character in a new and intriguing way.
The score by Daniel Hart is out of this world! It is majestic, haunting and yet so soothing in many ways. The choral chants and melodies accentuate the eerie and sometimes elusive tone of the film. The cinematography is beautiful as we gaze upon glorious forests and landscapes, but the one location I would love to visit is the Green Chapel. It has an ethereal, creepy and yet welcoming atmosphere to it. The costume design and practical make up especially on the Green Knight, was truly astounding. This was one of my most anticipated films of the year and it did not disappoint. Writer/Director David Lowery has made an epic masterpiece that is haunting and satisfying. This is definitely one of the best films of the year and I can't recommend it enough! Let me know what you thought of the film or of my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
