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Happy 35th Birthday - Excalibur Released April 10, 1981

posted 8 years ago by Dave31
4 replies | jump to latest

Hard to believe that it's been 35 years...I was 10 at the time and managed to see it at least three times during its original theatrical run, then twice more when it came back over a weekend to a second-run theatre during the summer. Had the privilege of catching it on the big screen again last February as part of a John Boorman Film Festival at The Film Forum in New York for the first time since and it's no less magical to me than it was back then.

My thanks to John Boorman and the many fine actors involved for making a film that has been & remains for me a great source of personal enjoyment more than 3/4's of my life later!

Really hoping that the "Sword In The Stone" documentary about the making of the film sees the light of day at some point...not sure what's become of "Mossy Hare" (the production company...). They've completely fallen off the radar and have removed their website & Facebook pages. Anyone have an idea about the status of the project?

[–] bam3186 8 years ago

Yes!!! I was 20 when it was released, and had no idea what was in store during that 1st viewing.....I was immediately hooked on all things Arthurian. I particularly loved reading the Mists of Avalon, but was disappointed in the TV mini series. Thanks for reminding me of that 1st blush of joy and wonderment that the tales bring.

[–] margad64 8 years ago

Yup, I was a junior in HS when I saw it during its opening weekend. I remember hearing screams of terror coming from the adjacent theater only to realize the howling also opened the same day. Of course my buddies and I had to check it out as well.
I recorded and watched Excalibur again this weekend only to realize that this was probably my most viewed movie. I can't say it's my favorite but something about it still elicites strong emotions.

[–] Juneploon 8 years ago

I was two months old when this movie came out.Man time flys

[–] mlaiuppa 7 years ago

I had graduated college and was just starting my career.

I remember seeing this in the theater on the really big screen. It made quite a impression at the time. It was at the upswing of the "beads and bedsheets" sword and sorcery hysteria.

The use of the classical soundtrack, pieces of Wagner mixed in, also drew both criticism and praise.

I remember the traditionalists being outraged over Merlin's shiny metal skullcap. For years and years you couldn't go to a Renaissance fair without seeing those beaded headpieces.

Boorman's vision has certainly made it's mark. Reading through the cast it's amazing the talent he gathered together for this movie. They weren't big names then, but many are now.

I must say, it has held up very well. I'm watching it now and it isn't dated at all. The subject matter helps some but the production values and art design help more.