The Intersection of Screenwriting and the Legend of King Arthur
Throughout time, the story of King Arthur has been a legend that has captivated the imaginations of many people across the world. This classic tale of great odds, magical swords, and high stakes adventure has been retold in many forms, however, what many people may not know is that the Arthurian legend can be a great source of inspiration for screenwriters. In this article, we’ll look at how the legend of King Arthur can help inform and inspire a great modern-day screenplay.
Understanding the Roots of the King Arthur Legend
The story of King Arthur has been around since the 12th Century. Depending on which version of the story you look at, the basic idea is that Arthur was a legendary British leader that possessed a magical sword called Excalibur. He was said to have gone on various adventures and defended his kingdom from many threats. Though the details of his story may vary depending on who is telling it, the main characters, themes, and plot points remain consistent.
Now, most people know the legend of King Arthur because of its many iterations in popular media. This is usually the context that people are familiar with when they think of the King Arthur legend. But if screenwriters are to turn the Arthurian legend into a modern-day masterpiece, they must also consider its roots. Familiarity with the original story is important because it will allow the writer to better incorporate the legend’s themes, characters, and plot points into the screenplay.
Modern Influences of the King Arthur Legend
When it comes to understanding the modern-day influence of the King Arthur legend, one of the first places to look is cinema. In Hollywood, the legend of King Arthur has been interpreted for the big screen many times before. Some of the most well-known King Arthur movies of all time include Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Excalibur (1981), and King Arthur (2004).
Each of these classic King Arthur movies are unique in how they tell the story, however, there are consistent themes throughout all of them. These themes come from the original legend, but also from how our present-day society understands and portrays a noble leader like Arthur. Looking at classic King Arthur movies can be a great source of inspiration for screenwriters who are looking to write an Arthurian-inspired story.
Incorporating the King Arthur Legend into Your Screenplay
Now that you have a better understanding of the roots of the King Arthur legend, and how it has been interpreted in modern cinema, you’re ready to begin incorporating the legend into your screenplay. To do this, start by thinking about the themes, characters, and plot points from the original story. Consider how they might translate into a modern-day context and how you can use them to build a compelling story.
Themes
The Arthurian legend is full of themes of justice, sacrifice, courage, and loyalty. Of course, these themes can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the point of view of the storyteller. When using the Arthurian legend in your screenplay, think about how you want to portray these themes in a modern and relevant way. Consider how you can take the timeless and unique messages from the King Arthur legend and make them resonate with a contemporary audience.
Characters
When it comes to the characters in the King Arthur legend, you’ll have many to work with. Of course, you’ll have King Arthur himself, along with all of the knights of the Round Table. But other characters such as Merlin, Lancelot, and Morgana Le Fay could certainly have a place in your screenplay as well. Consider how your modern-day characters might fit into the Arthurian template and remember to include subtleties to each character to make them stand out.
Plot Points
The plot points of an Arthurian screenplay could take many different forms. However, there are some consistencies that typically remain depending on the version of the story being told. This could include the search for the Holy Grail, the fight against the Saxons and Mordred, or the climactic battle between King Arthur and Lancelot. Think about how you might create a unique and exciting story within the framework of the original legend.
As we’ve seen in this article, the legend of King Arthur provides a great opportunity for writers to create a unique, contemporary screenplay. By understanding the roots of the legend, looking at modern-day interpretations, and familiarizing yourself with the characters and themes, you’ll be well on your way to writing your own great Arthurian script. So, take some time to consider the possibilities and jump right into writing the King Arthur-inspired story of your dreams.
