Robin Hood; The Legend Endures

Robin Hood (PG-12A) 2010 – 140 minutes

The Legend Endures

What is it about this mythical archer that stole from the rich to give to the poor? From Errol Flynn (1938) to Kevin Costner (1991) via Disney (1973), - not to mention a BBC TV series – producers and directors inexorably return to make “just one more film”.

The latest version of Robin Hood, directed by Ridley Scott (Alien, Thelma and Louise and Gladiator) and starring Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett attempts to explain the man behind the legend and intriguingly, ends where previous versions begin; a prequel with sequels sure to follow.

Returning home from France, Robin finds his England under siege; from King John (Oscar Issac), weak and insecure, resentful of his dead brother’s popularity; from France, ever- treacherous and seeking to exploit John’s weakness; and from the Church, greedy and un-Christian. He makes his way to Nottingham, duty bound to return a dead Knight’s sword to its rightful owner, Sir Walter of Loxley (Max von Sydow). Here, he finds his place of birth, he finds himself and he finds his love, Marion of Loxley, (Cate Blanchett).

Blanchett and Crowe are well matched, their romance delicate and charming. Blanchett is intriguing, sometime stunning, sometimes plain, but always in command, moving seamlessly from loyal wife to fearless warrior. Her sense of ease and grace of movement contrast with Crowe’s aggression and masculinity. But, Crowe surprises; now a natural leader, now a touching husband; thoughtful and reflective in his search for whom he is.

The merry men apart - who, save for Friar Tuck (Mark Addy) lack impact and dialogue- the cast is strong; Issac, full of spite and resentful of his brother, Richard; his henchman, Godfey (Mark Strong), treacherous and disloyal; William Marshall (William Hurt) the scheming politician.

Scott’s direction (supported by Crowe) is first class; the attention to detail immaculate from mediaeval castle, to rural, daily life; the camerawork outstanding whether in the woods or on the beach; the battle scenes astonish – Scott’s sense of scale knows no bounds.

Verdict
At 140 minutes the film is (15 minutes) too long and the dialogue (written by Brian Helgeland) and accents leave room from improvement. But, minor gripes apart, the new Robin Hood is a rare breed - a remake not to be missed. 8/10.

Dick Morgan
May 2010