JasonChapman":3urmq833 said:
I don't think there's been one decent portrayal of Merlin or King Arthur on the big and small screen.....
Then you haven't seen
Excalibur (1981), partly based on Sir Thomas Malory's excellent compilation of Arthurian lore
Le Morte d'Arthur
Director: John Boorman (2 Oscar nominations:
Hope and Glory and
Deliverance)
Merlin: Nicol Williamson (his performance is regarded as one of the best ever filmed, in spite of Oscar ignoring it)
Morgana le Fay: Dame Helen Mirren (1 Oscar (
The Queen) & 3 nominations, and one of the best actresses of the last 50 years)
Arthur: Nigel Terry
Guinevere: Cherie Lunghi
Lancelot: Nicholas Clay
Nicol Williamson and Helen Mirren almost literally ate the scenery in this flick. They had an affair during a run of Macbeth which ended with them hating each other for life. Boorman cast them as Merlin and Morgana intentionally, guessing their enmity would come through in their roles. Boy, did it ever!! Every time they're on screen together you can see the daggers coming out of their eyes.
Very unfortunately headed for remake-land in 2012. Bryan Singer directing.