Item published by HanameHime on 9th April. 0 Comments.
Director Ridley Scott scored a home run in 2000 with the best-picture-winning historical epic Gladiator, a film which spawned many subsequent (and mostly forgettable) knock-offs, such as King Arthur (2004), Troy (2004), and Alexander (2004). Hopefully Scott's return to the genre will give it a much-needed infusion of quality.
Much like the King Arthur legend, debate still rages about the “correct” version of the Robin Hood myth, and about whether or not it has any basis in fact. But no matter if it is “accurate” or not, Scott's new take on the Robin Hood story differs greatly from current popular perceptions about the folk hero. Many of us got our introduction to the story from the 1973 Disney film, with it's animated animals and decidedly light-hearted tone. Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) was far more adult, but while that film followed a recognizable beat-the-villain, get-the-girl plot, Scott places Robin Hood on a larger political stage.
Judging from footage provided by a recent NCM exclusive piece Scott's Robin Hood will not simply be attacking one corrupt monarch, but an entire system of government: “The laws of this land enslave people to its king; a king that offers nothing in return.” Trailer footage shows Robin and his as rebel warriors engaged in full-fledged battle, quite a departure from the “merry band of thieves” we're all familiar with. And in in the post-feminist tradition of historical revisionism, sweet and chaste Maid Marion, played by Cate Blanchett, is re-imagined as a strong-willed widow, who gets her share of action in battle. And indeed, there are battles.
So, we have a mythical-historical story of one man, who, through his inspiring leadership, unites the oppressed, challenges an evil ruler and triumphs over injustice. Naturally comparisons to Gladiator have been flowing freely. But are they positive or negative comparisons? Will people want to see Gladiator re-staged in a new landscape? Maybe, but to reach a similar level of success Robin Hood will need to stand apart from the earlier film, and be memorable in its own right - otherwise it might become just another historical epic.
It was recently announced that Robin Hood will be opening the Cannes Film Festival on May 12 shortly before hitting theaters worldwide, which will transform its opening week into an international event. Will it live up to all that commotion? We'll find out in a few months.
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