At their worst, comedic troupe Monty Python was still able to draw awkward chuckles. At their best, they were capable of the kind of unparalleled comedic genius that fills this film from start to finish. While there are those who frown upon Monty Python’s silly antics and those who simply do not get dry, British humor, I believe that it is impossible for a sane and living person to watch this film and not laugh at least one time.
There is very little that I can say about this film that hasn’t already been said. Monty Python were masters of just about everything to do with comedy- timing, sight gags, wit, play on words and use of props. Every ounce of their creative brilliance is on display in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Most amazingly is the fact that this film, with all its memorable scenes, quotes and gags, is only an hour and a half long.
That’s right- the Black Knight, the French, the Three-Headed Knight, the Keeper of the Bridge of Death, the Knights Who Say Ni and the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog come at you faster than most films that pass for comedies these days. To me, this makes the film even more impressive. To dissect and depict as much of the Arthurian legend as they do and craft such an epic adventure tale with such inherent silliness boggles my mind. I could have sworn the film was two hours long but I stand corrected.
I first watched this film as a part of a high school English class. We read parts of the Arthur legend and watched this film at the end of the unit. My teacher claimed that Monty Python actually treated the Arthurian legend source material quite well (all silliness aside of course) and that they didn’t give into any of the romanticism that has plagued films about Arthur and Camelot ever since.
Graham Chapman is delightful as the serious-minded King Arthur. He presents a very earnest character who genuinely seeks to fulfill the epic task that has been given to him by God. He just happens to be surrounded by and encounters a bunch of nitwits. The rest of the Python players fill in nicely as Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table, lending their own comedic specialties to their diverse characters. In true Python fashion, all the lads don multiple costumes and portray nearly all of the notable supporting characters. The bond these men shared from working on their television show for three years prior to the making of this film enhances their on-screen chemistry in ways that no casting director-selected set of funny men ever will.
I simply have to stop here. There’s just nothing I can say to do justice to this film. It is one of the most popular, quotable and beloved films of all time. Monty Python and the Holy Grail is by far one of the funniest films ever made. Watch and enjoy (but watch out for bunnies).
At their worst, comedic troupe Monty Python was still able to draw awkward chuckles. At their best, they were capable of the kind of unparalleled comedic genius that fills this film from start to finish. While there are those who frown upon Monty Python’s silly antics and those who simply do not get dry, British humor, I believe that it is impossible for a sane and living person to watch this film and not laugh at least one time.
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