In medieval Europe, tournaments were often held, which were popular with both participants and spectators. This tells the story of the Knight. Actors (photo attached), characters and other interesting facts related to the picture of 2001, we will consider further.
The main components
The interest in the picture was huge. Impressive by Hollywood standards, the budget made a profit, which the company was quite pleased with. Several facts ensured success: maximum immersion in details and the use of anachronisms, which in itself remains an atypical cinematic method. For example, dances or modern rock compositions that could not sound in a picture that tells about the Middle Ages. The viewer sees the main character first as a little boy who dreams of becoming a knight, and then as an adult hero. This, according to the recognition of the audience, provided a strong emotional connection with the character.
As they noted, the details of the past and the present became the main component of the success of the painting “The History of the Knight”. Actors who performed the main roles deserve special attention.
Born a winner
What else is the film famous for? Of course, the participation of Australian actor Heath Ledger. Fans who had time to love his creative ascent watched with great excitement. Even as a teenager, he went to conquer Sydney, fulfilling his main dream. But it was not possible to become the star of the screen, to earn the recognition of millions at home. After playing several minor roles on local television, Heath moves with his family to Hollywood, where the real ascent begins.
The first picture was the comedy melodrama "10 Reasons for My Hate." It was followed by the military drama “Patriot”, and, finally, “The History of the Knight”. Actors on the site always spoke of Ledger with warmth, despite the fact that he sometimes showed his “stellar” character. Admirers of his talent can confidently say: “History ...” remains an iconic film work in Heath's filmography.
Subsequently, the actor quickly "gained" momentum to settle in the star elite. Textured appearance, sense of humor and industriousness led Ledger to the list of the most sought-after artists.
Trying himself in different genres, he agreed to difficult roles that require physical skill and maximum concentration. Following the comedies and action movies in the life of Heath, the adventure drama “The Knight's Story” appears. The actors who worked with him in the film later said that Ledger tried to do all the tricks himself. He spent most of the filming in heavy knightly armor specially made for the painting. The director nevertheless insisted on the help of an understudy, but even with the participation of a professional, there were some accidents that , fortunately, turned out to be insignificant.
From dancers to princesses
In the picture, Ledger plays the role of a man who himself plays a role. He appears as the main character, the squire William Thatcher, who, in turn, pretends to be a knight named Sir Ulrich to take part in the tournament. In the image of the latter, the hero wins a series of victories.
Not only the main actors of the film “The History of the Knight”, but also the actresses were carefully selected by the director at the preparatory stage of production. Not a single movie can do without a female character. In general, this picture was for many one of the first in his career. Unknown Shannin Sossamon played the role of Lady Jocelyn, William's lover. A native of Hawaii, the actress moved with her parents to California, where she planned to become a dancer. But good dance data did not come in handy properly - at some point, the girl became interested in music, acted as a DJ. Once at Gwyneth Paltrow’s brother’s birthday party, she was spotted by a casting agent and invited to audition.
To be approved for the role, Shannin had to go through five auditions. Lady Jocelyn became her first big role. And although critics have largely noted the mediocrity of the game, the further career of a novice actress quickly went up. In 2002, Shannin became Josh Hartnett's girlfriend in “40 Days and 40 Nights.” This comedy allowed her to play in several other youth films.
From England to America
The English poet Jeffrey Chaucer is not a fictional, but a truly existing character. His biography is significantly changed, but he also appears in the film “The History of the Knight”. Actors of the main cast were already approved, but the director was still looking for someone for the role of a good hero, helping William win victories in tournaments. The candidacy of Paul Bettany liked Brian Helgelend immediately. Bettany himself received the first recognition in his native England, which he traded for Hollywood. “The history of the knight” became for him a successful launching pad. The next project was “Mind Games” and “Dogville”. For a short period, the actor turned into a promising star.
Paul has played in many successful films, including “The Da Vinci Code”, “Iron Man”, “Legion”, “Avengers”, “Excellence”. Married to colleague “in the shop”, actress Jennifer Connelly.
“The Story of a Knight”: actors and supporting roles
The secondary images presented in the film are vivid and interesting, and therefore deserve special mention:
- Roland and Watt. Friends of the character Ledger, often help him in tournaments. Played by actors Mark Eddy and Alan Tudik
- Count Ademar. William Thatcher's main opponent played by Rufus Sewell
- Edward the Black Prince. Another real historical person, the eldest son of the English king. His role was played by James Purefoy.
- In addition, actors Christopher Keysnov, Laura Fraser, Berenice Bejo and others are involved in episodic images in the film.