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Home > Movie Reviews: The Vikings, Excaliber, And Dangerous Beauty
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Movie Reviews: The Vikings, Excaliber, and Dangerous Beauty by Laura McDonald
THE VIKINGS
This is what entertainment's all about! Directed by (and starring) Kirk Douglas, this movie released in 1958. Ernest Borgnine is a Viking king, compelling in this rude/crude role, and Kirk is his son. A viking's life is active, raping and pillaging, and partying at night. I read somewhere that this film was tops in the box office for the 1950's, and I'd believe it. Tony Curtis believes he's a slave. Can't imagine a better lookin' slave, rivaled only by his other slave role in Spartacus! Tony and Kirk vie for the affections of Janet Leigh (who married Tony in real life), Tony in a more endearing manner and Kirk with the grace of a wild boar in the woods. The battles are great, the ship maneuverings fascinating, the scene with the hawk still haunts me. I've never forgotten the music either. Definitely one to add to a must-be-viewed list.
EXCALIBER
This version of King Arthur's story was released in 1981. Has anyone not heard the words "the sword in the stone" at some point in life, even if simply due to an animated or book version during childhood? Bring on the myth, Wagner and more-more-Merlin. It's definitely a fave from younger days and fantasizing about the myth-perfection of Camelot. Lancelot to Guenivere: "As long as you live, I will love no other." That's gotta be top ranking in the ultimate most romantic things to say. The scene near the end with King Arthur riding out to reclaim his kingdom, Wagner at fever pitch and the scenery changing is forever etched in my memory.
DANGEROUS BEAUTY
First viewing of this 1998 release for me. I'm aghast that this treasure escaped my radar. Starring Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell, Oliver Platt, Fred Ward, Jacqueline Bisset, and Moira Kelly, to name a few, this lush, true story captures our attention and holds it until the end. The setting is 16th century Venice. What's a girl going to do when born of a rank lower than a good marriage match deems. Why, become a courtesan, of course, trained by her very own mother. Catherine plays Veronica Franco, whose innocent heart belongs to Marco. He is, regretfully, not allowed to marry her. It seems her building courtesan skills attract him and she then spurns him, albeit skillfully. He simply burns for her more. The story moves along parallel to a plague ravaged Europe, political unrest, war and The Inquisition. Guess who will get accused of witchcraft. The music is nicely compelling and the entire production is lavish. This movie was a pleasure to experience.
About the Author
Laura McDonald is a writer, and an experienced paralegal in Frankfort, Kentucky. She has created a special, niche-relevant website which can be viewed at http://www.ParaLegalSecretary.com These movie reviews are part of Laura's growing collection at http://www.MovieMedley.com and its accompanying Journal.
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