Monty Python And The Holy Grail DVD > Reviews > I told them we've already got one...

Author's product rating:   

Did you enjoy it?	Loved it
Story	Outstanding
Characters / Performances	Outstanding
Special Effects	Good
How does it compare to similar films?	Outstanding

Advantages:	Hilarity
Disadvantages:	Vulgarity (wait, is that a con?)

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

There are so many things about this (and indeed any) Monty Python movie that one hardly knows where to begin. Nothing is left out of the mix--history, religion, politics, personal relationships, prejudices, intellectual prowess (and lack thereof). The title, of course, comes from an early scene in with Arthur approaches a castle, inexplicably occupied by French k-nigits, who claim to already have a grail.

I did a paper once for symbolic logic which I was told ten years later was still being passed about because I had dared to use something so unconventional as this Monty Python movie in the references (I couldn't see why that wouldn't be much more common, and indeed, hope it is today--I use Life of Brian in homilies, so why not this film in logic).

The particular logical incident (or rather, illogical incident) involves the trial of a woman accused of being a witch. Through 'logic' it is demonstrated that she would be a witch if she could float, for then she would be made of wood; if she was made of wood, then she could float; if she could float, she would be like a duck, and if she weighed the same as a duck (which, surprisingly enough, it turns out that she does -- 'It's a fair cop' she concedes) she would then be witch -- as the general rabble rejoices commences at the prospect of a bonfire.

Those who have benefit of the 'Executive Version of the Soundtrack of the Trailer of the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail' are also treated to an exposition of the logical problems which itself concludes that 'sex is better than logic'. And who could argue with that reasoning?

However, my favourite scene would have to be the liturgical procession and reading of instructions for the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch, with the leader's instruction 'skip a bit, brother' -- an instruction which I've searched in vain in the liturgical handbooks, but would vastly improve many readings on some mornings in church. This is a perfect parody of the sonorous but deadening readings that seem to drag on interminably. Five is right out!

A close second would be the scene in which Arthur tries to explain his kingship to members of an autonomous collective (read, peasants without a lord) who view him as just another oppressor, and inform him that watery tarts throwing swords at you is not an adequate basis for the exercise of supreme executive power. But then, Arthur said it correctly -- you don't vote for kings...

Those who have visions of Great Britain (and British culture in general) as being a bastion of good taste and high brow culture will be amazed--the likes of Monty Python and Benny Hill (among others) show the inhabitants of the UK as just as human (if not moreso) than the rest of the world. And we are all the richer for it. There is a theory that art thrives more under repression than freedom; comedy may well be that way, too. Long may repression thrive, if it yields such fruit as this, although the particular repression may be hard to fathom.

The comedy team of John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones all take on various roles over the course of the film, with Graham Chapman playing the primary role of King Arthur throughout (at one point, he also plays the Voice of God, who speaks to King Arthur, so apparently at this point, Chapman is conversing with himself...). Connie Booth also makes an appearance (married to Cleese for a time, she also starred in 'Fawlty Towers', and -- little known fact -- is actually a native of Indianapolis, Indiana).

Alas, the Holy Grail is never actually attained by the seekers, who run into trouble with more French k-nigits and the local constabulary. But, the journey's the thing, so they teach me in seminary, and thus, this journey is well worth following to the end. Prepare to be amazed! Prepare to be offended! Prepare the popcorn in advance.