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Lancelot of the Lake (1975)
Runtime: 80 mins
Synopsis: From renowned French director Robert Bresson comes this spare and haunting version of the legend of Camelot. The story begins as the Knights of the Round Table return to Camelot after their futile search for the blessed Holy Grail. Lancelot (Luc Simon), the leader of the quest, is reunited... From renowned French director Robert Bresson comes this spare and haunting version of the legend of Camelot. The story begins as the Knights of the Round Table return to Camelot after their futile search for the blessed Holy Grail. Lancelot (Luc Simon), the leader of the quest, is reunited with Queen Guinevere (Laura Duke Condominas), who begs him to become her lover. Convinced that his impure thoughts are the reason for his recent misfortune, Lancelot assures Guinevere that he will neither cease his search nor become her lover. However, when the jealousy of another knight, Mordred (Patrick Bernard), spurs rebellion in the land, Lancelot decides to remain in Camelot and fight until death for King Arthur (Vladimir Antolek-Oresek). Along the way, he accidentally murders his best friend, Gawain (Humbert Balsan), giving Mordred an added edge in their battle. Bresson's profound and original voice reaches an even higher level with this poetic study of the end of chivalry. He uses the familiar terrain of Camelot to address issues of loyalty, pride, and societal evolution in the world at such a crucial moment in history. Employing his deceptively simple style of filmmaking, Bresson creates another deeply moving work of art. [More]
Genre: Foreign Films
Starring: Luc Simon, Laura Duke Condominas, Humbert Balsan, Vladimir Antolek-Oresek
DVD Info
Release:
Jan 5, 2006
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 1.85
Additional Release Material:
- Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer
Interactive Features:
- Scene Selections
Reviews
Bresson's stripped-to-the-bone adaptation eschews the traditionally heroic, spectacular, fabulous, and exaltedly romantic aspects of the legendary saga in order to lay bare the confusion and pain within the human soul.
It's often characterized as a 'despairing' film in Bresson's late oeuvre, but in fact, it's an elegiac lamentation...beautifully rendered in loving, rhythmic care.
Cuts to the heart of the Arthurian tragedy strips away the early grandeur of Camelot, leaving only the demoralized foundering in the wake of the failed Grail quest.
Bresson strips away frippery to such an extent that it should be a coma-inducing slog, but it’s not.
It has a magnificence that creeps out a little at a time, especially over repeated viewings.
Even with a well-known story as its backdrop, it is only upon the third or fourth viewing that one can even begin to contemplate the larger questions at work in the film.
Having seen Bresson’s filmography in full (including this film twice), I’m convinced that Lancelot of the Lake is on par with his very best and most transcendent work.
Bresson's style may not be for everyone, but one has to respect his strength as an artist.
It belongs with Pickpocket and Au hasard Balthazar at the highest level of Bresson's achievement.


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