As someone who is somewhat critical of period pieces that are so inaccurate it’s distracting…I love this move. The mix of contemporary fashion and music is so good because it doesn’t take itself seriously and has fun with it. Underrated movie.
There is an adaption of Farandole by Bob James. When Hubert Laws begins his flute solo with the brass accompaniment I always remember this scene from the movie when they go full disco. 🤣🤣
i remember seeing this when it came out. sitting there thinking "this sounds so familiar," then the "An-gel" line, and I thought, "no, this cannot be." Everyone in the theater laughed and clapped when the Bowie dropped. One of the best audience reactions I've ever heard.
Same experience exactly! I didn't know why the dance seemed familiar (well, the music, actually), 'til I heard "Angel." And like you, I thought, no way, I imagined it. I love this movie sooo much. And am so sad that Heath Ledger is no longer with us.
The best theater reaction I ever experienced was Star Wars, Episode I. I saw star Wars when it came out in 1977 as a kid. Twenty years later, Episode I came out. As soon as the theater went dark...and those iconic, first few notes of the theme song came on....all of us now adults...went nuts. The theater erupted. As far as cinematic experiences, has been my best and will probably never be topped.
What I love about this scene is that it transitions from how a courtly dance in the Middle Ages may have actually looked like into something that could communicate to us what these dances felt like to the people who went to them. It's like you're getting into their mindset and seeing things from their point of view. That's what makes this film so great - Medieval crowds never chanted 'We Will Rock You' at jousting tournaments, but they absolutely would've because tournaments to them were like the Super Bowl and a rock concert rolled into one.
Drunkrobot that’s why I liked it too! Same with Marie Antoinette. Using modern music is a simple and genius way of making your audience identify with characters from a bygone era.
I popped over to watch this again because it is a convention that I liked, but we really only got it in Moulin Rouge!, Knight's Tale, and Marie Antoinette. I cannot think of another film that uses it. As you say, the film makers intent was to capture the spirit of the time using modern music.
Sometimes they ignore historical things because they think people won't believe them Roman Gladiators used to have sponsorship deals with local businesses for example.
One thing I’ve always loved about this scene is the slow build up of David Bowie’s Golden Years. How it starts as medieval music, then sprinkles in Bowie, before finally becoming the full song. You don’t see that in movies anymore.
I mean, not like we saw it in movies before this, that I can think of. I do like the ballroom scene in Labyrinth and that's similar, it's kind of magical but also very 80s.
@@silverkitty2503 its not because he is blonde, its because he is the actor who played the most popular oscar winning villain role of batman the dark knight and he died 14 years ago.
Kathleen Parker I mean no disrespect. He was a gifted actor whether he was a playing a hero or villain. I just so happen to admire his role as a hero rather than a villain.
This dance scene, even though it's obviously choreographed, Heath and Shannyn's movements look very organic. It's a dance that almost anyone can do and it feels free-spirited and light. They just flow together with such ease and you can see they enjoyed it.
@gemini rose Rufus has said many times he is a huge Bowie fan. Bowie was one of his big idols growing up. Awww, how wonderful that you ran into him here. I wish it was under happier circumstances. Bowie was a musical genius.
I closed down a bar in Prague in 2003 and was drinking with some locals. I asked what they did for a living and they said, “We’re accountants.” Turns out they did movie payrolls. I asked if they had ever worked a movie I might be familiar with. They said, “You ever heard of A Knights Tale?” I bought them shots and they told me about being on set and how much fun they had. Very cool folks.
I think my favourite moment is the jumpsuit reveal at 1:10 from the female dancer in the dark ensemble. It's silly really but I love how it looks like a dress and then when she steps to the side you see it's actually trousers. Just a fun little detail.
The transition between courtly mediaeval dance music and the Bowie track is done seamlessly at 2:03, where the dancers jump and land with an audible clack. The intro to Golden Years is immediately recognisable. Bowie allowed them to use tracks from the master tape of the song to mix in and assist the transition. Tony Visconti (who had produced the original) and Bowie both attended the remix session, to make sure it was done right.
@Ammoniumbicarbonat indeed. I think Shrek kind of stole a lot of this movie's thunder since they both have a similar vibe, music choice, humor, and of course plot/setting
i think it's fascinating how sewell can keep his eyes that focused. he completely gets the message through without even having to show any facial expressions. it takes years and years of practice to pull something like that off. props to him
@@hannahcroce4932 Hannah! Omg is that you? Remember when we went to elementary together? P.s thank you for letting me know about that, I read it too fast lol
This movie is too good. Its bloody hilarious, but is also, just super nice with great characters/story and message. Just a damn well made film. 2:32 he mouths Angel, 😂 so good. Rest in peace Heath Ledger, u seemed like an absolute legend, thanks for being a part of our lives ❤
Well... It's a lot like the farandole, but with some differences... But in real life there aren't really dances that are specifically from Gelderland. Maybe the "Klompendans" (clogsdance). Although there was this guy that organised dances in open area's in the woods and fields of Gelderland, where people could dance while blindfolded, so their experiences were more liberating or something...
Heath Ledger does have natural rhythm dancing skills with his charisma , sad he had to leave the world so soon , he cared for all people with a heart of love , hated war , the beauty in him was deep and unselfish
Rewatching A Knight's Tale right now after seeing it in the theater for its original release. What a fun movie! Any movie with Geoffrey Chaucer, the great English poet and author, as a character who's part Henry Higgins and a sarcastic Greek chorus...is not to be missed😄
LOVE IT! *RIP HEATH* THIS WAS AWSOME, HIS "DATE" KNEW HE WAS SORT OF FAILING SHE HELPED SPLENDLY! IS THAT HOW IT WORKED? YOU DRESSED TO MATCH YOUR DATE? I FIND THIS TO BE FUN A COOL
The soundtrack to accompany this movie is so underrated they did a near perfect job fitting them in to make you almost think they were from that time. I LOVE this movie RIP Heath
Actress Bérénice Bejo as Christiana, Jocelyn's assistant and Laura Fraser as Kate, the metal smith - should have had more character development. Both women are very gorgeous and it was a shame we didn't get more story background on them in this film.
One of my favorite scenes of the whole movie. Love how it transitions from traditional to today's form of music and dance. Also this was my first time hearing "Golden Years" by David Bowie which was a great choice for this scene and became one of my favorite songs to listen whenever I want to get loose and have fun.
The copy of this movie I had was pirated, filmed from a showing of it at the cinema, so it had the audience's laughter at its anachronisms and jokes. I loved that copy of mine, watched it over and over. I love this movie. Awesome stuff. Miss Ledger. Awesome actor.
I love how they seamlessly incorporated newer music into this movie. It fit so well, even though it was not from the time period the movie’s set it. This is something I haven’t seen anywhere else! 😁
He is so out-gunned. Heath Ledger, the way he moved.. He's up there with Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Dazzling actors. It was a tough few years. Such Talent.
I was just 6 years old when this movie came out. I absolutely adored it as a kid, and it still is one of those movies that I just have to watch whenever it is broadcasted on TV
Comodus in Gladiator is the only antagonist I hate more than Count Adamar. Rufus Sewell done amazing. The entire cast was perfect and that is what makes this movie one of greatest. RIP Heath Ledger.
Still one of the most enjoyable escapist films ever made :D I miss Heath :( So obvious why he was a star ...such charisma , a beautiful voice, and skills....left us too soon
Near perfection...the only thing missing from this scene is David Bowie singing it on a stage, in edgy Medieval clothes. Why they didn't ask him is beyond me. It would have been something to see for sure. RIP David B.
One thing I always love about this scene is that because he did such a bad job describing what outfit he would have to match her ("Eh... green. Um... trimmed in a kind of... pale... green) they are both wearing green but completely different shades that don't match haha
I was active in the SCA when this came out, and one of our favorite sideline activities is to make fun of ‘period’ movies and all of their anachronisms. That said, we loved this movie because it wore its anachronisms on its sleeve and had fun with them. We joked that it was what we would be if we could do 24/7. And the cast made it even better.
You're all talking about Heath is awesome and the how dance is great and I completely agree but why aren't we talking about how beautiful the girl issssss????!!!!