Knightriders
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Knightriders (also known as George A. Romero's Knightriders) is a 1981 film written and directed by George A. Romero.
The story is about a group of travelling jousters and performers who are cracking under the pressure of their problems and their failure to live up to their own ideals. They joust on motorcycles in pseudomedieval armor, allowing for some bizarre images and excellent stuntwork. The members of the troupe adopt names and costumes derived from a mixture of Arthurian romance and general medieval history and legend (e.g., there is a "Friar Tuck" right alongside "Merlin").
After a slick promoter offers to "handle" the group by arranging gigs at state fairs and other large events, the group splits into factions. Some follow the promoter, hoping for money and fame, while King Billy refuses to compromise on the ideals with which he founded the group. Eventually the factions reunite in a grand melee to decide leadership.
The lead role of King Billy is played by Ed Harris (in his second film) and Stephen King (along with his wife, Tabitha) had a 20 second cameo.
George Romero has said that one inspiration for the movie was the medieval hobbyist organization the Society for Creative Anachronism. Thematically, the philosophical struggle of the characters between money and security on the one hand, and being true to their particular vision on the other, echoes the choices of independent filmmakers, who may have to choose between financial success and creative control.
The film was accused of being too long so its runtime of 145 minutes was shortened in the German release to 102 min.
See also List of films based on Arthurian legend
Reference
- [Knightriders] at the Internet Movie Database.
| Films directed by George A. Romero |
|---|
| Night of the Living Dead | There's Always Vanilla | The Crazies | Season of the Witch | Martin | Dawn of the Dead | Knightriders | Creepshow | Day of the Dead | Monkey Shines | Two Evil Eyes | The Dark Half | Bruiser | Land of the Dead |
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