About First Knight

"First Knight" is a 1995 medieval film directed by Jerry Zucker. The movie creatively reimagines the classic Arthurian legend, focusing on the fateful love triangle between King Arthur (Sean Connery), Lady Guinevere (Julia Ormond), and the knight Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere). The narrative is set in Camelot, where the bold Lancelot saves Guinevere from being kidnapped, causing a romance to spark between them. With timeless themes of duty, love, loyalty, and betrayal, "First Knight" examines the intricate moral and romantic complexities of this legendary trio.

Making / Production

The film is produced by Zucker, Hunt Lowry, and Gil Netter under the Columbia Pictures banner. Filmed in various parts of Wales and England, "First Knight" showcases impressive set designs recreating the medieval era. Moreover, the action sequences are especially grand, with William Hobbs as the swordmaster and fight choreographer.

Actors

• Richard Gere is Lancelot, a wandering adventurer, whose charisma and strengths are as troublesome as they are admirable. Gere keenly portrays his character's complexities, be it his romantic inclinations or combative prowess.
• Sean Connery is King Arthur, embodying the wise and noble king with a graceful authority. Connery's Arthur is caring and just, but also realistically flawed.
• Julia Ormond brings life to Lady Guinevere. Her portrayal is rich with emotional depth, capturing Guinevere's struggle between her duty towards Camelot and her love for Lancelot.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The original script didn't include Guinevere at all, but it was rewritten to include her character based on studio executives' advice.
• Despite being 63 years old during filming, Sean Connery performed many of his own stunts in "First Knight".
• "First Knight" was one of the last motion pictures to be released on Laserdisc.

Awards

"First Knight" was nominated for several awards, including the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films' Saturn Award for Best Costume and Best Support Actress.

Quotes

• "My pride is the only shield I have." - Lancelot.
• "A man who fears nothing is a man who loves nothing; and if you love nothing, what joy is there in your life?” - King Arthur.
• "I demand a man’s verdict!" - Guinevere.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, known for his grand symphonies and emotional compositions.
• The soundtrack includes beautiful compositions like “Arthur’s Farewell”, “Night Battle”, and “The Gauntlet” that weave magic throughout the narrative.