JUST FOR JOUST!!!

“A Knight’s Tale” is a manifestation of the concerted effort to lure our imagination into accepting that modern day humor can be easily amalgamated in a romantic comedy set in a period as early as the 14^th Century. (The time period is deduced to be so as the “jester” of the story claims to have finished ‘The Book of the Duchess’ which was written around 1368)

The film combines action, comedy and romance and the spice being the anachronistic use of the rock numbers like Queen’s “We will… rock you”, David Bowie’s “Golden Years” and various other electric guitar solos. The story itself isn't much more than a dressed-up, time-warped sports underdog yarn, in which the lowborn hero poses as a knight and becomes the toast of the jousting world. But in the hands of writer-director Brian Helgeland, the movie's cliché-spawn chassis is merely a jumping-off point for a jocular, high energy theme-park ride of action, wisecracks and romance.

The movie claims its fair share in the terms of setting and costumes. The cathedrals, medieval mansions and Cheapside were right of the yellowing pages of the classics though the cinematographer cannot be spared for a shot of the “London Eye” (a large observation wheel) in the aerial shot of London. The action sequences are well done with the well planned photography that captures every ounce of the incredible impact that happens when a lance crashes into the armor of a knight on a galloping stallion.

Comedy being the main essence of the movie reaches zenithous heights when “Geoffrey Chaucer” (jester), author of Canterbury Tales, is introduced as a character in the story heralding our hero in poetic fervor as a blustery cross between a boxing announcer and a carnival barker. The betting scenario in the inn leaves the audience in peels of laughter. The double “swoosh” (of Nike fame) on the armor of Lord Ulrich, a symbol of Kate the Farrier is quite a tickle. The other sentiments are beautifully orchestrated along with the inevitably hilarious plot.

The plot lends itself to some poignant moments. The clichéd father-son reunion with the tag line of the movie-“Rearrange the stars” being the crux of the conversation brings a tear to the eye. The Knight Ector telling little William of the marvels that lay beyond the wildest dreams is both poetic and rich in message. The appearance of Prince Edward in the knighting scene gives the required twist and the dialogues are potent – “You are loved by your men that is enough, even if I had not known you, for you to be a Knight!” being one such.

There are of course some misfits. Jocelyn, is the movie’s weakest link with a character that is not well established and is the one who is most jarringly modern in this ancient tale (apart from the music). She dresses queerly at the Renaissance Faire and she's preposterously sassy and independent for a 14th Century lass.

But the picture's modest brilliance lies in Helgeland's ability to mix oil and water into such a satisfying cinematic concoction. The fact that the modern day rock music play perfectly into the context of this movie that takes place in a 700-year-old world of honorable knights is a minor miracle. The supporting cast also do a fine job in their roles.

IN conclusion,

“The game of jousting, even for a knight, is daunting,

It was weighed, measured and found certainly wanting.”