Lancelot of the Lake (Lancelot du Lac)

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

94%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 18

71%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 1,301
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Movie Info

This haunting drama from the brilliant French director Robert Bresson presents a disturbing, de-romanticized vision of the illustrious Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. Instead of the selfless, ever-chivalrous mythic figures they are said to be, Bresson depicts them as savage, avaricious men who will stop at nothing to have all they desire. The story begins as the disillusioned Knights return from their unsuccessful bid for the Holy Grail. Along the way back to England, the knights engage in bloody excursions and often fight amongst themselves. When they reach Camelot, Lancelot endeavors to resume his affair with Guinevere. This causes more in-fighting and eventually leads to Lancelot being banned from King Arthur's court.

Cast

Vladmir Antolek-Oresk
as King Arthur
Patrick Bernhard
as Modred
Laura Duke Condominas
as Guinevere
Luc Simon
as Lancelot
Arthur De Montalembert
as Lionel
Humbert Balsan
as Gawain

Critic Reviews for Lancelot of the Lake (Lancelot du Lac)

All Critics (18) | Top Critics (4)

View All Critic Reviews (18)

Audience Reviews for Lancelot of the Lake (Lancelot du Lac)

  • Mar 06, 2013
    Robert Bresson's low-budget attempt to de-romanticize the King Arthur myth has no romance, no gallantry, no smiles, almost no score and just a smidge of what might be called "acting." Instead, the film is mostly about Bresson's strange obsession with incidental sound. Lasting impressions of this film are not about dialogue or plot, but rather rattling armor and listless, unnaturally loud footsteps trudging across forest duff and castle floors. Not exactly compelling. Violence usually occurs off-camera, though the bloody opening minutes can't help but evoke Monty Python & the Holy Grail's notorious "only a flesh wound" scene. The homely, untrained cast is just another way to rob the viewer of any easy pleasures. The story itself skips all the glories of Arthur's court and picks up after the failed search for the Grail, so the mood is nothing but bleak. Approach at your own risk, and don't bother bringing a shrubbery.
    Eric B Super Reviewer
  • May 03, 2012
    Returning empty handed in his two-year search for the Holy Grail after having made a wrong turn somewhere, Lancelot(Luc Simon) is given a warm welcome back from King Arthur(Vladimir Antolek-Oresek). Mordred(Patrick Bernhard) emerges from the shadows just long enough to remind everybody that he told them so, before slinking back to his hole. All Queen Guinevere(Laura Duke Condominas) wants to know is why her knight, Lancelot, is not wearing her ring anymore. To start, "Lancelot of the Lake" takes an intriguing approach to violence, with the only graphic detail in its opening sequence(if it looks familiar, it should be pointed out that "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" was made the following year), before pretty much avoiding it for the rest of the film, which speaks volumes to the knights' worthiness, considering their history of bloodshed and pillaging. This film is set during the downward slide of Arthur's rule, as he has no wish to replace any fallen knights. Otherwise, the movie can be talky, focusing more on relationships, which confirms the eternal power of this venerable tale.
    Walter M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 10, 2008
    i love the tales of king arthur, from excalibur to monty python :P this is of course the most minimalist version possible. and it's bloody! those who've seen a bresson film will know what to expect. for the rest, read bort16's review; i think he's said it all
    Stella D Super Reviewer
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