Monty Python is one of the most iconic comedy troupes of all time. Their sketches are well remembered and have influenced pop culture for decades, and today I would like to take a look at one of their best known works: Monty Python and The Holy Grail. This is perhaps one of the best comedy films ever made, with only a couple of rough spots and is a true genre busting masterpiece. It was able to simulate an epic feeling at a moment before instantly bringing the humor in ways that were completely unexpected. Before I go into the funny parts though, I must address something serious. The opening credits, while known for playing with subtitles humorously, do have a serious problem. While I do not wish to spoil a joke, it is important that people should know there is a very strong flashing effect that is not safe at all for people with epilepsy and this should be kept in mind.
Monty Python And The Holy Grail is a film that plays with the very idea of a film. While other films had done this in the past, none did it to this extent. The jokes made about the very nature of films were so well done and should be studied by aspiring film makers. Aside from that though, the characters were well written and the jokes timed perfectly. The personalities of the knights are played, but what provides so many laughs is just how absurd the situations are and how the characters comment on it.
There is a reason that characters like the Black Knight and Tim the Enchanter are so well remembered, and lines from the movie about Excalibur for example, are repeated constantly still.. While I hesitate to call any movie timeless, this is the film that comes closest to fitting that term, but is held back by the flashing lights at the start.. Gaming fans might also be interested in the fact that Solaire of Astora from Dark Souls had his look based off of Graham Chapman’s portrayal of King Arthur from this film. I truly urge anyone who hasn’t seen it yet to do so, but those with photosensitivity should be aware of the start.