Bresson's stripped-to-the-bone adaptation eschews the traditionally heroic, spectacular, fabulous, and exaltedly romantic aspects of the legendary saga in order to lay bare the confusion and pain within the human soul.
Lancelot of the Lake (1975)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:12
Fresh:11
Rotten:1
Average Rating:8.2/10
Runtime: 80 mins
Genre: Foreign Films
Synopsis: From renowned French director Robert Bresson comes this spare and haunting version of the legend of Camelot. The story begins as the Knights of the Round Table return to Camelot after their futile... From renowned French director Robert Bresson comes this spare and haunting version of the legend of Camelot. The story begins as the Knights of the Round Table return to Camelot after their futile search for the blessed Holy Grail. Lancelot (Luc Simon), the leader of the quest, is reunited with Queen Guinevere (Laura Duke Condominas), who begs him to become her lover. Convinced that his impure thoughts are the reason for his recent misfortune, Lancelot assures Guinevere that he will neither cease his search nor become her lover. However, when the jealousy of another knight, Mordred (Patrick Bernard), spurs rebellion in the land, Lancelot decides to remain in Camelot and fight until death for King Arthur (Vladimir Antolek-Oresek). Along the way, he accidentally murders his best friend, Gawain (Humbert Balsan), giving Mordred an added edge in their battle. Bresson's profound and original voice reaches an even higher level with this poetic study of the end of chivalry. He uses the familiar terrain of Camelot to address issues of loyalty, pride, and societal evolution in the world at such a crucial moment in history. Employing his deceptively simple style of filmmaking, Bresson creates another deeply moving work of art. [More]
Starring: Luc Simon, Laura Duke Condominas, Humbert Balsan, Vladimir Antolek-Oresek
Starring: Luc Simon, Laura Duke Condominas, Humbert Balsan, Vladimir Antolek-Oresek, Patrick Bernard
Director: Robert Bresson
Director: Robert Bresson
Screenwriter: Robert Bresson
Composer: Philippe Sarde
Get This Movie
Reviews for Lancelot of the Lake
It's often characterized as a 'despairing' film in Bresson's late oeuvre, but in fact, it's an elegiac lamentation...beautifully rendered in loving, rhythmic care.
Cuts to the heart of the Arthurian tragedy strips away the early grandeur of Camelot, leaving only the demoralized foundering in the wake of the failed Grail quest.
Bresson strips away frippery to such an extent that it should be a coma-inducing slog, but it’s not.
It has a magnificence that creeps out a little at a time, especially over repeated viewings.
Even with a well-known story as its backdrop, it is only upon the third or fourth viewing that one can even begin to contemplate the larger questions at work in the film.
Having seen Bresson's filmography in full (including this film twice), I'm convinced that Lancelot of the Lake is on par with his very best and most transcendent work.
Bresson's style may not be for everyone, but one has to respect his strength as an artist.
It belongs with Pickpocket and Au hasard Balthazar at the highest level of Bresson's achievement.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Lancelot of the Lake at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

MSN Movies offers a little background on the success of Disney Animation.

TIME takes a look back at the history of vampires on film.

Techland examines the visual splendor of Peter Jackson's upcoming film.

AOL put together a list of 10 recent news items that would be perfect as TV Movies.

Hollywood.com's C. Robert Cargill explores how remakes and reboots have warped our thinking.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic


