If you had a friend that didn't know much (or anything) about faire and you could only suggest 1 movie to give them an idea of what they might expect, what movie would you have them watch?
Oh... Good Question Valiss, although I do notice that you have not listed a title yourself. Mayhap you cannot think of one either.
Well in terms of what a faire might look like, I would say the scene from The Three Musketeers (I know, I know) where D'Artanian and Porthos meets looks like what faire looks like.
Though I would not suggest that movie for costume ideas. :)
So yeah, I need some ideas.
This sash was a gift to me from the Queen of America.
Hmmm...I would say for a faire virgin, A Knights Tale is good...it gives a good representation of the joust and the faire like atmosphere...maybe Elizabeth I to give a look at some cool costumes... These are just off the top of my head. They are also movies that I think would get someone unaccustomed with faire excited.
The Princess Bride of course. It's got everything! Pirates, princes, peasants, and more. Faires likewise have so many great characters, cast and paytrons alike.
Quote from: Amyj on July 16, 2008, 05:24:02 PM
Hmmm...I would say for a faire virgin, A Knights Tale is good...it gives a good representation of the joust and the faire like atmosphere...maybe Elizabeth I to give a look at some cool costumes... These are just off the top of my head. They are also movies that I think would get someone unaccustomed with faire excited.
To that end, I know many people that watch Braveheart as a "let's get pumped up for faire". I just hope they leave the blue face paint at home. :)
Quote from: CatAshtrophy on July 16, 2008, 05:29:57 PM
The Princess Bride of course. It's got everything! Pirates, princes, peasants, and more. Faires likewise have so many great characters, cast and paytrons alike.
Brilliant!
to learn about queen Elizabeth the first i would suggest the movie Elizabeth R. Hmm..to learn more about ren faires...hmmmmmm...that is a good question.
How about Monty Python and the Holy Grail ! Just kidding ! ;D
A movie called "Timeline" made in 2003. It is about a group of archaeologists who go back in time to save their professor.
Also a movie called "Black Knight" with Martin Lawrence.
And yes also Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Regards,
CB
The Gamers. Those guys are SO rennies.
A classic old movie that I always loved was one called "LadyHawke" made in 1985. It's kinda' a mixture of Medieval and Fantasy with Matthew Broderick and Rutger Hauer. Good fight scenes, loved the soundtrack.
My other favorite is not a movie but a television series on Showtime called "The Tudors". Been watching that one for the last couple of years. The sets and period clothing are top notch. Acting is good, storyline does not completely follow actual historical events perfectly since it compacts some of the characters into a single person. It does give the viewer a general idea of Renaissance royals and the background backstabbing involved to keep in the King's good graces. It follows the life of Henry VIII from his early 20's and it seems to me the storyline is basing itself on each of his 6 wives and his inability to produce a male heir to the throne. Events covered are the Black Death, the split from the Catholic Church, the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation, and Anne Boleyn's rise and eventual execution.
There are some very adult scenes since it's Showtime. If you love seeing period clothing styles and getting ideas for your Ren Faires.....this is a good source. We used it as a source to design a couple of new suits for my nephew. Many of the Ren merchant sites now carry a licensed line of clothes and accessories from the show.
Friar Rohn
I think we own all of the films mentioned ;D
Another one that I thought of was "The Lost Princess" (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0844012/). Although not specifically a period film, it was filmed entirely on location at Scarborough Faire.
I know it says pick a movie, but being at the faire (ORF, anyway) kind of reminds me of Zelda Ocarina of Time. That village ..... Kokorika (sp?). I don't know why, it just does :)
Quote from: Bugsey on July 16, 2008, 11:04:50 PM
I know it says pick a movie, but being at the faire (ORF, anyway) kind of reminds me of Zelda Ocarina of Time. That village ..... Kokorika (sp?). I don't know why, it just does :)
kakariko.
and i know what you mean - in twilight princess, the town has a sort of faire feel to it.
I watch several movies to get into the "renaissance mood", but the one that motivates me the most is "The 13th Warrior".
I also prefer either of the Elizabeth I movies...
The original "Ivanhoe" has several good joust and faire related scenes in it. But, one of the best was Covington Cross TV series. There was one episode shown here that had one of Sir Thomas's sons training to be a knight and they had to go to the faire to compete in all the events. I have the series including all the episodes only shown in England as well, with interviews. Does anyone else remember that series in the early 90's?
After reading some of the other responses, I have come up with some ideas that give a good look into the concept, if not the reality of the time periods.
1. The Scarlet Pimpernell (Danny Kaye)
2. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court (Bing Crosby I think)
3. Unidendified Flying Oddball (Disney movie from 70's)
I like "A Midsummers NIght Dream", w/ Kevin Kline, Calissta Flockhart. Don't know the year it was made. The village scens remind me of Faire and always gets me in the mood to go.
I have to include Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.
EXCELLENT!
Regards,
CB
I have to say Anne of a Thousand Days.
You have to respect a woman who can mouth off to her husband when her head is on the chopping block!
The Taming of the Shrew for it's delightful wordplay, lush costumings, glorious backdrop a feast or two and a happy ever after ending...with a twist! That's faire to me, and what woman wouldn't want to be Kate?
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on July 16, 2008, 09:30:49 PM
A classic old movie that I always loved was one called "LadyHawke" made in 1985. It's kinda' a mixture of Medieval and Fantasy with Matthew Broderick and Rutger Hauer. Good fight scenes, loved the soundtrack.
Squeeeee!!! LadyHawke, one of my favorite movies of all time!!! I used to wear this soundtrack out before I accidentally broke the cd. It was always my music of choice on my way to faire. Even though most of the music isn't what one would call period, it just seems to fit somehow. It never fails to put me in the mood for faire. Thinking about certain scenes from the movie while listening to the soundtrack reminds me of being at faire on a cool, crisp fall morning.
This is from a tv show, not a movie, and even though it isn't renaissance, it still reminds me of faire. It's from an episode of "Charmed". The one where the sisters travelled back in time to early Colonial Virginia and were being chased by the witch hunters. There was a "harvest festival" scene with a fortune teller and juggling. The women were all in wench garb-skirts, chemises, bodices and cloaks. Definately puts me in the mood for faire.
Quote from: Lady Neysa on July 17, 2008, 12:29:38 PM
Quote from: Friar Rohn the Chronicler on July 16, 2008, 09:30:49 PM
A classic old movie that I always loved was one called "LadyHawke" made in 1985. It's kinda' a mixture of Medieval and Fantasy with Matthew Broderick and Rutger Hauer. Good fight scenes, loved the soundtrack.
Squeeeee!!! LadyHawke, one of my favorite movies of all time!!! I used to wear this soundtrack out before I accidentally broke the cd. It was always my music of choice on my way to faire. Even though most of the music isn't what one would call period, it just seems to fit somehow. It never fails to put me in the mood for faire. Thinking about certain scenes from the movie while listening to the soundtrack reminds me of being at faire on a cool, crisp fall morning.
Would you expect any less from Alan Parsons? ;D
Ladyhawke - the cinematography, the music, the story, and who can for get Matthew Broderick demonstrating how to speak in BBBBBFA ;D
Taming of the Shrew - the dancing, the photography, Howard Keel singing, excuse me while I wipe off the drool :-*
Dark Crystal - watch the dancing scene with the podlings and tell me someone isn't channelling Drum Jam ;)
Dayna
some of these are repeater's but anyway. i love the princess bride and a knight's tale. a midsummer night's dream purely for speech. robin hood on the BBC America channel. also has anyone seen the Disney movie "princess of thieves" with a 15 year old Kira knightly? thats a good one. and probably my favorite Ever After!!! my ultimate chick flick!
Quote from: sir clisto on July 17, 2008, 03:49:32 AM
The original "Ivanhoe" has several good joust and faire related scenes in it. But, one of the best was Covington Cross TV series. There was one episode shown here that had one of Sir Thomas's sons training to be a knight and they had to go to the faire to compete in all the events. I have the series including all the episodes only shown in England as well, with interviews. Does anyone else remember that series in the early 90's?
I do remember that tv show, used to watch it regularly.
As for movies Princess Bride would be first on my list, after that Elizabeth perhaps.
Speaking of Ren Faire soundtracks..... this year's background music was from two movies not mentioned yet. "Krull" and "First Knight" with Sean Connery. Of course, with all of the weird fantasy characters that end up at Castleton.....a healthy dose of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" was called for.
Friar Rohn
Sir Gawain and The Green Knight (Sean Connery as The Green Knight)
Dragonheart (maybe for costuming ideas)
Oh man, that was the worst movie, but costuming was good. And it is funny you mention it, I have a DVD copy of it I am getting rid of. LOL...
Okay just one is so hard. The Princess Bride gets the romantic ambience right, Thirteenth Warrior is awesome, though. But for me, A Knight's Tale sets it off. A classic tale of a true noble man showing that Nobility isn't a birthright.
With Faire bein' a strange mix 'o fact an fantasy I'd be lookin' at "Labyrinth" fer visual impact.
Some'o the local SCA groups look like they just walked off the set fer "The Road Warrior" lol.
Labyrinth, sigh, another lovely movie....I always wanted to slap Sara's stepmother for telling her that she was too old for fantasy play acting, and that she should date and act like a "normal" teenager.
Who can pick just one? I love all mentioned here. How about Willow?
Lord of the Rings?
The Lion in Winter, with Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close... cuz it makes me laugh, how they continually mess with each other, and then part, like they had such a blast!
The 10th Kingdom. Always wanted to try out he wolf garb at faire
i can't believe I forgot this one! "The Last Unicorn"! yes It's animated but come on, it screams faire!
Yay! Somebody else remembers the 10th Kingdom too. The wolf garb idea is a neat one from that movie.
Try "The Wicked Lady". With Faye Dunaway. You will notice a very young girl who plays a wench went on to play Councelor Deanna Troy on Star Trek.
Quote from: greenknightslady on July 21, 2008, 06:46:40 PM
Try "The Wicked Lady". With Faye Dunaway. You will notice a very young girl who plays a wench went on to play Councelor Deanna Troy on Star Trek.
I remember that movie. She played the mistress of the male lead and got her butt whipped and clothing torn off by Faye. I met her at a trek convention. Very fun person and very short.
Quote from: ladyecho on July 20, 2008, 11:05:23 PM
i can't believe I forgot this one! "The Last Unicorn"! yes It's animated but come on, it screams faire!
I agree. The music is very faire-ish.
Ain't seen it since high school but wern't there a modern medieval village in "Westworld"?
I like AmyJ's suggestion of "A Knight's Tale"it truly sets up the scene of the joust. I too would suggest this movie. And Valiss I'm assuming that your referring to the Disney version of Three Musketeers. And that scene definitely catches the street and pub scenes of faire. Another god suggestion. I'd have to re-watch my films to find one I could suggest. Any of the 1970's Three Musketeers versions and the Return of The Three Musketeers in 1989 with Michael York. these are good so that you get an idea of how casts speaks. and good costumes. Quite period correct and fancy.
Since no one mentioned "Excalibre", I will. It's a bit dated, but it's also good. This was one of Liam Neesen's first roles and Patrick Stewart is in it as well.
Quote from: unilady on July 17, 2008, 09:29:42 PM
Ladyhawke - the cinematography, the music, the story, and who can for get Matthew Broderick demonstrating how to speak in BBBBBFA ;D
Dayna
Dayna,
I watched Ladyhawke last night after seing all these recommendations here- such a touching story, enjoyed it very much, great suggestion..
Then, I decided to pick at which movies Rutger Hauer ( forgive my spelling) starred and stumbled upon "Blood+Flesh" movie.. I would recommend it as well so people would know that medeival times were not all chivalry and pretty dresses ( there is plenty of that in the movie) but fights, plague.. Needless to say I went to sleep at like 3 am..
Hugs,
Yenn
Ah, yes! "Flesh & Blood"! I have to say that one of the reasons I originally rented this one is that it was featured in a Playboy "Sex in the Cinema" article. ::) I guess that's my warning to those with who are tempted to watch this one - if the sight of naked people loving each other is not your cup of tea, do NOT see this movie. Suffice it to say, however, I now own a copy of the DVD. Not only am I not offended by that sort of activity, this is a heck of a movie with a good story, great costumes and settings, and even with all of the twists and turns, it does end happily!
Blackbead
Yah, it is definitely M rated movie.. Aside from all the nudity and stuff, great love story! very attractive cast ( Omg younger Rutger Hauer omgomgomgomg and Jennifer Jason Lee omgomgomg). Not something to watch with your kids so beware :)
Flesh and Blood I'd say is the most realistic of medieval/renaissance tales. Very Mature though. One move though not mentioned I don't think, and basically for humor,but gives ddea of faire humor, and costumes is Robin Hood Men in Tights. And not to mention the two other Robin Hood films, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves with Kevin Costner, for alright costumes, good story even if not held to the ballads. And Robin Hood starring Uma Thurman as Maid Marian, this is the better of the two since it has better costumes more like period and the story line holds more closely to the ballads.
Of course, I've always thought the scene in "The Adventures of Robin Hood," where Errol Flynn and company are hosting Basil and Olivia in a great feast would make a fine representation of what a fun RenFaire is supposed to be like. And I do agree that the wedding festival scene in "Braveheart" is very RenFaire-ish . . . until the moment that the Englishman shows up to claim primae noctis. If something like that ever happened at any RenFaire that I had attended then Stirling Bridge would have happened a lot sooner!
Alba Gu Brath!
Primae Noctis is just wrong.
Be relieved b/c it never existed.
Watched " The other Boleyn girl" movie the other night- great costumes, enjoyed movie alot ( must admit, even cried at the end)
There's nothing wrong with Primae Noctis, as long as it's not your wife, unless your into that kind of thing. Not to be judgemental or anything, some people might be into that kind of thing. :o
I'm not judging those people. I was looking at it from the point of a husband, and a Scotsman whom is rebelling against a rival ruling class whom wouldn't enjoy that sort of thing, but if you do, that's your thing.
And back to our regular program.....
I'd have to say The Princess Bride for the fantasy/swashbuckling aspect, Danny Kaye's The Court Jester for the sheer ren silliness, and Dangerous Beauty for a taste of wit, flirtation, and gorgeous costuming.
I was going to vote for Dangerous Beauty-
And maybe Casanova
Scaramouche (older movie)
Scaramouche has Stewart Granger in it?
Quote from: Jack Daw at Work on February 12, 2009, 10:31:23 AM
Scaramouche has Stewart Granger in it?
The 1952 version of it does. It has the longest swordfight on film, over 7 minutes of screen timeforget S.W. RotS. to many break aways). Some of the descriptions in S.Grangers autobiograpy on the making of that film with particular emphasis on the two duels he had in the film were absolutely comical. For example he mentions the fact that, in one practice session the he and Mel Ferrer had for the final duel, Mel was a comsumate ladies man and while it was just practice they would draw a rather large lot of on-lookers, one of which was a rather well endowed young starlet and at the moment that Mel was supossed to raise his sword to fend of a head cut, his attention was drawn to this young lady and his blade missed and Stewart sliced Ferrers eye lid forcing a 2 week halt to the filming.
Danny Kaye is funny, and that movie maybe worth watching even if it is dated. I've never seen that film of his. Just The Secret Lives of Walter Middy which is set in the thirties and he day dreams constantly. A comedy to say the least. Thanks for mentioning it.
Any time, it's one of my enduring favorites :D
i dont know about everyone else , but i like the old robin hood with errol flynn, it was great , but i personaly wouldn't take costume designs from it , i would watch Timeline , that was pretty good
This movie is not top notch when it comes to acting by any means, but In the Name of the King. It has the villages, costumes, etc. that remind me of faire. Jason Statham isn't too bad to look at either. ;)
Ever After is great for costume ideas. I'm a Drew Barrymore fan, and surprising even though I'm not a big fan of romance films this was good, it had some sword fighting and let's face it she's a babe, and the pursuit of any woman from the observer's perspective could be quite entertaining especially during the renaissance.the supporting cast was good too. Very late renaissance early enlightenment age films and some into the French Revolution I would suggets for costume , but they may require some mods, and some good entertainment are The Count of Monte Cristo, Brotherhood of the Wolf, Cutthroat Island,