Quest for the Middle Ages On Screen

One way the Middle Ages is represented in Pop Culture is through film. In university, I once took a Medieval Film course where we discussed authenticity, entertainment value and how these movies applied to themes relevant to prominent medieval thinkers (i.e. myths, Christianity and historical writings). It was one of the most memorable classes I ever took (and that had nothing to do with the cute boy I met!) Below you will find listed what I think are must see’s for every medievalist. 

Medieval Movies that are must see’s :

Lion in Winter - 1183 Chinon. Henry II seeks to name an heir to his throne. Queen Eleanor plots with her sons & the King of France to force a choice upon Henry. I spent 3 months learning all the dialogue for this film to retype it for a webpage—it is the most brilliantly written film.

Seven Samari - A poor village under attack by bandits recruits seven unemployed samurai to help them defend themselves. Anyone who is interested in Feudal Japan should see this. Akira Kurosawa is a master of this genre and there are many medieval films of his to choose from - including a few Shakespearean remakes. If you know The Magnificent Seven you know this movie.

Prince of Jutland - 6th C. Denmark. The realistic telling of the Hamlet story from the writings of Saxo Germanicus—a Medieval Danish Historian. Stars Gabriel Byrne and Christian Bale.

Seventh Seal - 12th C. Sweden A knight plays chess against the Grim Reaper during the Black Plague Directed by Ingmar Burgman. Anything Bergman does is fantastic.

The Virgin Spring - 14th C. Sweden . A bit violent but it illustrates the power of faith & superstition in the Middle Ages. Another Bergman film.

Queen Margot - 1572, France. The political & religious struggles that lead to the violent massacres of St. Bartholomew’s Day. Costuming does have it's bad moments but captures the panic and munipulation beautifully.

Flesh and Blood– Mercenaries in medieval Europe take revenge on their employer by kidnapping a noble girl to be married to their employer's heir while the Plague stalks the land. Violent but realistic.

Vatel - 1671, France. A talented steward must entertain the King while dealing with his attraction to the king’s new mistress. The most stunning feasts and celebrations you have ever seen.

Artemisia—17th C. Italy. A description of the early life of the first well-known female painter. Perhaps not as accurate as could, it is a well-told, beautiful story.

The Advocate - 15th C. France. A pig is charged with murder and a Parisian Lawyer (Colin Firth!) is appointed to defend him in the rural, rustic countryside. Funny & Intelligent.

Ivanhoe - Both Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Fontaine are gorgeous in this 1952 film based on the novel by Walter Scott (who also did Joan of Arc). It is a classic. The 1984 version with Olivia Hussey is not bad but avoid the A&E version

Ok, There are so many more I could mention here but can’t for lack of space… but read on….

Medieval Movies to laugh (or cry) at:

Lancelot Du Lac - The worst thing one could do to the Arthurian Legend. The director, Robert Bresson, has made the knights of the round table complete failures and devoid of all emotion. Not to mention his camera barely moves above the knees of the actors.

Mists of Avalon - While there have been worst tellings of King Arthur, no one should ever let a big name TV station build a screenplay out of a best selling novel. The visual are not bad but the plot as written by Marion Zimmer Bradley is lost.

The Norseman: Lee Majors should have died before he ever did this movie. It would have saved many people the torture.

Other movies in my collections

Recommended Websites

• Very long list of Medieval films (includes a list of best and worst films) no means a complete list
• A list of comments by Medievalists on a mailing list a bit hard to read but very interesting

Essays at About.com

Medieval Films that have won Oscars.

Most Realistic Medieval Film

Most Fun Medieval Film

Music from the Movies - Search the review titles for information about what Soundtracks are available for your favourite movie

Edited from an article Published on the Skeldergate Newsletter, The Owl March-April 2002