HLJ's Movie Blog

Monty Python and the Holy Grail

The first time you saw Monty Python and the Holy Grail, how long did you sit and wait for something to happen when the screen went black? Did you laugh when you realized that you were sitting there waiting when the film was really over?

Now, for some other questions. How often to you use the word "Ni" on a person to stop them from bothering you? During meetings, when you discover that your project is going well, do you proclaim, "And there was much rejoicing," to recognize this? Does anyone respond with a less than enthusiastic, "Yay," or do they stare at you blankly? Has something been lost in our culture when we start quoting movies to one another instead of philosophy, poetry or literature? Who cares. This movie is funny. It's a parody so it's intended to be. So what's wrong with sharing the experience with friends? If quoting a movie helps bring people together, I'm not going to complain.

Now for my favorite scene - Lancelot attacking the castle to save the "princess." I love how the shot of him running toward the castle is cut with the one of the guards looking at him. They wait patiently as he runs at them. He keeps running and running and then is suddenly hacking them apart. Great use of editing and shot composition there. Oh, and sound. The drum roll as he runs toward the castle; silence as the guards watch. I also laugh when he crashes through the wedding party, killing anyone near him. Lancelot the Brave murdering people at a wedding, how is that funny you ask. Well, there is all of the fake blood and the irony of "brave" Sir Lancelot slaughtering wedding guests.

Now good people, write in your comments on your favorite scene. Please include which one it is and why you like it.