In an age of big budget, low commitment MCU powerhouse films, The Green Knight certainly makes sense, but unfortunately fails to deliver beyond the level of aesthetic dynamism and medieval fantasy cosplay. Starring Dev Patel as Gawain of the Arthurian legend, David Lowery’s ambitious interpretation of the story of The Christmas Game and the titular antagonist is a long (and long-winded) exploration of the things in life that depend on pride and ambition, as well as those that will always fall by the wayside in any quest where each of these qualities are given priority over that which is more important to the here and now of well being and consideration of others beyond the self.
The story revolves around the untested protagonist, Gawain, who accepts the challenge of the formidably Pagan Green Knight in the highly Christan court of King Arthur, portrayed here subtly and sparingly by Sean Harris. After besting the demented looking knight in a bout of combat (wherein his opponent simply lays down his arms and bears his neck), Gawain must afterwards set off on a quest to allow the creature satisfaction, propelling him along a multifaceted quest that will see him encounter various earthly and supernatural personalities, guiding him towards an understanding of what it means to be chivalrous and maintain his integrity in a world that presents temptation and comfort as an alternative to hardship and endurance.
While it is a challenging and visually engaging film, with a score that absolutely deserves awards consideration, the themes inherent to the narrative and Lowery’s didactic intention are often overwhelmed by a multitude of side quests and a sprawling sense that the final product could have been more focused in it’s execution. While all the cast turn in interesting and committed performances, especially Alicia Vikander and Joel Edgerton, they are either underutilised or dwarfed by the focus on Patel’s character, who comes across like a Marvel film age ne’er do well who will inevitably grow throughout the story into someone the audience can admire in what is a somewhat predictable and unfortunately conventional turn of cinematic events.
Though it doesn’t feel in the end like the film has done justice either to the narrative or to the grandiosity of it’s visual triumphs, there are things to like about The Green Knight. The score by Daniel Hart is impressive and evocative throughout, and Lowery’s prowess as writer, director, producer and even editor should not be discounted, although perhaps the film would have benefited from another watchful eye or two aside from it’s commanding auteur. Sure to please some and divide a great many, The Green Knight is a film that will be debated and watched for a long time to come.
2.5/5
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