Who directed the 1981 film Excalibur?
Excalibur was directed, co-written, and produced by John Boorman. He co-wrote the screenplay with Rospo Pallenberg, drawing primarily from Sir Thomas Malory's Morte d'Arthur.
Questions about Excalibur (film)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where was the 1981 film Excalibur filmed?
Excalibur was filmed entirely in Ireland in 1980, with locations in County Wicklow, County Tipperary, and County Kerry, and interior scenes shot at Ardmore Studios. Specific sites included Cahir Castle, the Powerscourt Estate waterfall, Wicklow Head, and the Kerry coast.
Which actors made their debut or early appearances in Excalibur?
Excalibur launched or advanced the careers of several actors who became widely known: Liam Neeson appeared in his third film role, Gabriel Byrne in his second, and Ciarán Hinds in his very first. Helen Mirren and Patrick Stewart also appeared in the film early in their screen careers.
What awards did Excalibur win?
Excalibur won Best Artistic Contribution at the 1981 Cannes Film Festival. It also received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography for Alex Thomson and a BAFTA nomination for Best Costume Design for Bob Ringwood.
What is the Charm of Making in Excalibur?
The Charm of Making is the incantation spoken by Merlin in the film to invoke the dragon. According to linguist Michael Everson, it has no attested historical source and is an invention, reconstructed as Old Irish. It translates roughly as "Serpent's breath, the charm of death and life, thy omen of making".
How much did Excalibur gross at the box office?
Excalibur was the number one film in the United States during its opening weekend and eventually grossed just under thirty-five million dollars in the United States and Canada combined. It was made on a budget of eleven million dollars.