John Boorman’s Excalibur is a towering cinematic achievement that reimagines the Arthurian legend with a gritty, dreamlike quality. Released in 1981, the film arrived during a pivotal cultural moment when geek culture, mythological storytelling, and dark fantasy were gaining global traction. Its evocative imagery, Shakespearean dialogue, and unapologetically raw depiction of chivalry, betrayal, and redemption cemented its place as a cornerstone of the dark fantasy genre.

A Renaissance of Mythology and Fantasy

Drawing heavily from Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, Excalibur immerses audiences in a world steeped in Renaissance-era mythology. The film’s aesthetic, with its armor glinting in verdant forests and its mist-shrouded landscapes, feels like a Pre-Raphaelite painting come to life. The tragic arcs of Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere are framed in an operatic style that elevates the legend’s emotional stakes, while Merlin, played by Nicol Williamson, provides a mystical gravitas that connects the ancient world of druids to the emerging age of Christian knights.

This mythological richness resonates with fans of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, which was ascending to global popularity in the early 1980s. The film and the game share a fascination with epic quests, moral ambiguity, and richly detailed fantasy settings. For many, Excalibur became a visual touchstone for what a fantasy adventure should look and feel like. Its depiction of knights, sorcery, and enchanted weapons continues to inspire game designers and dungeon masters alike.

A Dark Fantasy Pioneer

Before Excalibur, fantasy films often leaned toward the whimsical or family-friendly, such as Disney’s The Sword in the Stone. Boorman’s take, however, delves into the darker aspects of myth, exploring themes of power, corruption, and existential despair. The film’s striking violence and psychological depth helped pave the way for later dark fantasy epics like Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Game of Thrones.

The film’s haunting use of Wagner’s operas and Orff’s Carmina Burana enhances its mythic tone, while its practical effects and minimal reliance on special effects lend it a raw authenticity that still holds up today. Excalibur is more than a film; it’s a cinematic poem, a meditation on the cyclical nature of human ambition and failure.

Using Excalibur in the Classroom

Excalibur offers a wealth of teaching opportunities, particularly in literature, history, and media studies classes. Here are some ways to incorporate it:

1. Literary Comparisons: Pair the film with excerpts from Le Morte d’Arthur or T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. Discuss how Boorman’s adaptation emphasizes certain themes while omitting others.
2. Mythological Archetypes: Explore Joseph Campbell’s concept of the hero’s journey and how Arthur embodies the archetypal hero.
3. Historical Context: Use the film as a lens to discuss medieval chivalry, the transition from paganism to Christianity, and Renaissance art influences in modern storytelling.
4. Film Analysis: Analyze the cinematography, costuming, and music to understand how they contribute to the film’s dark fantasy aesthetic.

Considerations for Classroom Use

While Excalibur is a cinematic masterpiece, it contains content that may not be appropriate for all students. Teachers should preview the film to determine its suitability for their classroom and be aware of the following elements:

1. Violence: The film includes graphic battle scenes and depictions of injuries that may be unsettling for some viewers.
2. Nudity and Sexual Content: Certain scenes feature nudity and implied sexual relationships, including moments that are integral to the plot but may be unsuitable for younger audiences.
3. Dark Themes: The film explores betrayal, incest, and moral ambiguity, which may require careful framing to ensure students understand the historical and mythological context.
4. Language and Tone: The dialogue, while Shakespearean, includes mature themes that necessitate guided discussion.

For classroom use, consider showing selected excerpts rather than the entire film and provide content warnings. Alternatively, use the film’s screenplay or stills for analysis to sidestep potentially problematic scenes.

Resources for Further Study

• Books:
  • The Once and Future King by T.H. White
  • The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
  • Dungeons & Dragons Art & Arcana: A Visual History
• Documentaries and Films:
  • The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail (for a satirical contrast)
  • Conan the Barbarian (1982)
• Classroom Resources:
  • The British Library’s online resources on medieval literature and Arthurian legends
  • Articles and lesson plans from the Arthurian Society
  • RPG modules inspired by Arthurian themes for creative writing or gaming clubs

Conclusion

John Boorman’s Excalibur is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural artifact that bridges the mythological past with the geek culture renaissance of the 1980s. By incorporating this film into the classroom, educators can inspire students to explore timeless themes of heroism, power, and morality while connecting them to the enduring allure of fantasy storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of Dungeons & Dragons, a history buff, or a cinephile, Excalibur is a work that continues to cast a spell across generations.

To see other movie and book recommendations and a list of resources, read more here.

This is part of my Politics in the Classroom series, where I look at the importance of political campaigns, pop culture, sports, music, and geopolitics of the last 50 years and how to use them as resources in the classroom. To read more, check out my other posts in the series. (Link)