The Mists of Avalon (2001) (TV)

Director:

Uli Edel

Writers (WGA):

Marion Zimmer Bradley (novel)
Gavin Scott (teleplay)

Release Date:

15 July 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy

Tagline:

Passion. Mysticism. Adventure. Journey beyond the legend of Camelot.

Plot:

Based on the bestseller by Marion Zimmer Bradley It tells the story of the women behind King Arthur; including his mother...

Plot Keywords:

King Arthur | Arthurian Legend | Sister | Brother Sister Relationship | Incest

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Anjelica Huston	...	Vivianne
Julianna Margulies	...	Morgaine
Joan Allen	...	Morgause
Samantha Mathis	...	Gwenwyfar
Caroline Goodall	...	Igraine
Edward Atterton	...	Arthur
Michael Vartan	...	Lancelot
Michael Byrne	...	Merlin
Hans Matheson	...	Mordred
Mark Lewis Jones	...	Uther
Clive Russell	...	Gorlois
Tamsin Egerton	...	Young Morgaine
Christopher Fulford	...	Lot
David Calder	...	Uriens
Hugh Ross	...	Bishop Patricius

Also Known As:

Die Nebel von Avalon (Germany)

Runtime:

183 min | 60 min (3 episodes)

Country:

Czech Republic | Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

Brazil:14 | Finland:K-15 | Germany:12 | Spain:13 | USA:Unrated | Malaysia:(Banned) | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Company:

Constantin Film Produktion

Trivia:

Last film role for Edward Jewesbury.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): "Call no man happy until he is dead" is a quote from the Greek philosopher Solon, and not the "old Roman".

Quotes:

Ambrosius: Woman, are after all, carriers of Original Sin.
Bishop Patricius: That's not quite how we advance it, sir.
Igraine: Do you not say that women are the means by which evil came into the world? There is in your bible a fantastic tale about an apple and a snake.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Commune (2009)

Soundtrack:

The Mystic's Dream

Once bitten, twice shy

My first viewing of this film adaptation was an enjoyable enough experience, during which I took in some of its more favourable elements such as the impressive clothing and settings. I did however watch with a strong apprehension, having read the book before seeing the mini-series; I didn't hold out much hope for a faithful adaptation.

I recently re-watched it, and I believe this apprehension was justified, as I could not, unfortunately, see past the bad elements. I cringe when I think that people who haven't read the original book might think that the story of the film was the story that Marion Zimmer Bradley wrote. The book was profound, and it stood out as a new feminine perspective of the Arthurian legend, taking all the exaggerated mythical magic, deception and melodrama and turning them into believable humanity, with a respectful portrayal of spirituality both Christian and Pagan.

One can't expect too much from a made-for-TV version of any story. Quite often they are glamourised so that very little subtlety shows, and the whole turns out to be obvious and even cheesy. I understand this, and I just wish that they had not bothered to make a mini-series of this wonderful book. It seemed to take a step backwards into those exaggerated myths of old, with treachery and villains added in, distracting the viewer from the worthwhile plot. I can only hope that the film might engage people's curiosity into reading the book. I encourage you to do this - you'll be pleasantly surprised.