Oliver Hollingdale looks to be a future filmmaking threat as he directs, shoots, and even tackles some impressive visual effects in his rendition of the legend of Sir Gawain in The Green Knight. The age-old story from Arthurian folklore tells of a boy, not yet a knight, who accepts a challenge from the mysterious Green Knight, exchanging to strike a blow for a blow. Gawain famously decapitates the knight, who is magically restored, and then allows Gawain a chance to discover the true meaning of chivalry and loyalty before he stands to face his blow.
There have been many renditions of the tale presented in the past, from Stephen Weeks’ Sword of the Valiant to David Lowery’s The Green Knight, starring Dev Patel, along with another short film version by Mark Freeman and Brandon St. Cyr’s picture of the same name. So, while the tale remains the same, the difference is that Hollingdale’s film is the elegance of brevity.
“…a boy, not yet a knight, who accepts a challenge from the mysterious Green Knight…”
The director and his Gawain, Lester Seale, go for the poetic majesty that the ancient fable is infused with. Hollingdale’s combination of stunning location photography combined with his CGI enhancements delivers the somber yet magical inflections whilst being carried aloft with the soulfully stirring score supplied by composer Gealdyr.
The Green Knight is a haunting depiction of a young man’s search for true courage in the face of death never gets old. Each teller brings his stance and imagery, but Oliver Hollingdale has delivered a fleeting glance into a realm wondrous as he gives us another glimpse at a hero’s journey, from the boy who could barely lift a sword to the man who finds himself when tested by its metal.
"…the elegance of brevity."
