Medieval Movies: The Good, the Bad, and the ..... Not so Bad

'tis but a scratch: fact and fiction about the Middle Ages

In this episode, Richard explains why there are so few movies set in the Middle Ages that are historically accurate, and gives examples of a good film (Eric Rohmer's "Perceval le Gallois"; a bad film, Ridley Scott's "The Kingdom of Heaven"; and a not so bad medieval film, Ridley Scott's most recent blockbuster, "The Last Duel." Richard and Carol devote most of the podcast to discussing what is historical and what is anachronistic about the last, as it is the most recent medieval blockbuster and is currently streaming on HBO. For those who haven't seen it, "The Last Duel" recounts the true story of a trial by combat that took place in Paris in 1387 to determine guilt or innocence in a case of rape. Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris were friends but as the latter rose in wealth and status at the expense of the former, friendship turned to animosity. Carrouges' resentment against his more cultured and successful rival turns deadly when Carrouges's wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of raping her. Knowing that Le Gris has the protection of the local count, their mutual lord, Carrouges seeks to vindicate his and his wife's honor through a judicial duel to the death. Like the Japanese film, "Rashomon," also about a rape, the story is told and retold from the viewpoints of each of the three main characters. Richard briefly explains why as a historian he despises the movie "The Kingdom of Heaven." (More on that in a future episode on the Crusades.) Finally, Richard explains why "Perceval le Gallois," a movie that almost derailed the career of the famed French director Eric Rohmer, is the only fully "medieval" movie that Richard has ever seen.....and Carol ponders how a film that she found unwatchable got an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

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Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada
If you have questions, feel free to contact me at [e-mail]