******BEWARE OF LONG POST******I loved reading all the thoughts you guys posted about this film and I have been looking forward to this weekend to watch some RUFUS! I received a big lot of his work and have been happily viewing away! Some of his movies I have seen before, others are a first time for me.
So... when I received my package, I ripped it open in a frenzy and out popped A Knight's Tale, Victory, Extreme Ops, She Creature, and Tristan & Isolde.
DILEMMA THEN ENSUES: OMGGGGG WHERE TO BEGIN!!So.... I pop in a Knight's Tale....which...I have seen before.....but....this is the EXTENDED version....*faints at vivid remembrance of the shirtless training scene*
******* REVIEW BELOW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS********A Knight's TaleRufus Hair Cuteness Level: 9/10
Rufus Gets The Girl Level: 0/10
So this is one of the movies that fueled my craziness for Rufus back when it first came out. I cheered for the bad guy all the way through... I just couldn't help it... he was Marco Venier (Honest Courtesan is how he snared me as a speechless, drooling fan) ...I couldn't help but see him as darling Marco that was really cranky and just needed a hug....heheee.)
That said.
I have not seen it for years and I had never seen the extended version.
OMG...my memory was refreshed.
The scene where Count Adhemar is introduced and gives the pointers on the rules of jousting to Lady Jocelyn.... someone else in this thread said it well- the way he speaks VOLUMES with his eyes. He speaks so much more with his eyes than I have ever seen any actor do. He just
oooozes haughty, sexy in that scene. I also just love the way, he always shakes, nods, and tilts his head to emphasize certain words...he always does that...it is sooo Rufusy.
He plays the villain so well, but just as he plays kind, clueless, romantic, deranged, snobby, eccentric....you name it- he does it well or even brilliantly. He is incredibly versatile and always I completely buy into whatever character he plays. He can take the crappiest script and writing and create an amazing character from nothing, and no matter what that character is selling...I'm buying.
Its the eyes.This film is entertaining enough. Certainly not an accurate historical piece...( neither is Honest Courtesan...and we already know how much I LURVE that one.) So it must be taken at face value and simply enjoyed for being kinda cool, funky and hip. The cast are all fun to look at and watch...and the music is fun...silly, but fun.
Hahaha...notice how badly Count Adhemar's herald had the hots for him? No one is safe from Rufus' sexiness.
I enjoy Alan Tudyk and Paul Bettany emmensly in this film. They are my favorite parts of this film besides Rufus, of course....and Heath is very sweet...bless him.
The downside of the film for me is Shannyn Sossamon- sure she is gorgeous but...uuughhh every scene with her is like nails on a chalkboard for me.
The other downside is NOT ENOUGH RUFUS. If they would have cut out half of the FAR TOO MANY jousting scenes and left in ALL of Rufus' scenes- the movie would be so much better!
But overall, a very enjoyable movie and a must see (and add to collection) of any avid Rufus fan.
***OTHER BONUS TO EXTENDED VERSION*** That I was not expecting!!!
The HBO Special “Making of A Knight's Tale” is on the DVD! YAY!
Interviews of cast- including brief but oh so lovely snippets of Rufus....GAHHHH!
Rufus Sewell:
“It's, you know, two heavily armored mean with trees under their arms, trying to hit each others heads. So occasionally, you'll have a couple of people not feeling terribly well after-wards.”
“I let the armor do the acting for me. It's pure steel. I don't know how many pounds it weighs, but the helmet is like 30 pounds.”
“When it's 100 degrees outside, you get water poured on you and you watch the steam go...Psssstttt.....like hot plates.”
(about his character) “He's never been in the situation where he's in danger of loosing before. And as is often the case, you find out who you are in extreme situations.”
Heath Ledger's comment on Rufus' character:
“As much as he's a ruthless villain, Rufus is talented enough to bring a lot of sensitivity to him..you kind of somewhat care for him.”
Screen Caps from HBO Special (sorry about the crappy quality):