King Arthur – The Director’s Cut (2004)

Written by David Franzoni

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer

Co-staring Clive Owen, Hugh Dancy, Joel Edgerton, Ioan Gruffudd, Stellan Skarsgard, Ray Stevenson, Ray Winstone, Keira Knightly


The Director’s Cut (a far superior version than that of the original theatrical release) attempts to breathe life into the story of true life Roman officer, Lucius Artorius Castus, thought by some to be a true contender for the role of the genuine King Arthur.

So here is the story of ‘King Arthur’, but not as we know it. Instead, a legend stripped bare of its magic and mysticism to reveal a tale of fascinating realism and adventure.

After fifteen years of enforced servitude to the Roman Empire, what remains of the cavalry of brave Sarmatian knights, led by Artorius Castus/Arthur, prepare to receive their long awaited release papers. But with the arrival of Bishop Germanius, they instead find their freedom held to ransom. To attain their liberty, they must undertake one more mission - to travel North of Hadrian’s war to rescue an eminent Roman family from the path of oncoming Saxon invaders.

This is the role that finally introduced Mads to the international audience. He is Tristan - Arthur’s quiet, stoical faced scout with a penchant for killing and a love of hawks. He has few lines throughout the film, but then he does not need them – his extraordinary presence is felt from the first moment we see him stepping down from his horse and gliding across the battlefield, despatching Woads with the effortless grace of a Samurai warrior.

Although this was not a particularly prominent role, Mads made it one, with his mysterious and feral-like charisma providing an undeniably standout performance which won him rave reviews from critics and a legion of new admirers from all around the globe.



Winner of the following awards ~

Irish Film and Television Awards 2004

Audience Award for Best International Actress ~ Keira Knightly

IFTA Award for Best Hair/Make-up ~ Dee Corcoran & Ailbhe Lemass



Huabiao Film Awards 2005

Huabiao Film Award Outstanding Translated Foreign Film

by Jacqui

Links:
    Gallery
    IMDb
    Buena Vista International Official Site ~ In French
    Fallen Knights ~ fansite dedicated specifically to King Arthur.
    King Arthur - The Director's Cut (Widescreen Edition)

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