The Beginnings of the Famed Leader, Robin Hood

The legend of Robin Hood is one of the oldest tales in British literature, yet if you question anyone about this folklore hero, few probably know many details. This action packed new release attempts to give movie viewers a history lesson centering on the man and his life ‘before’ he notoriously ‘robbed from the rich and gave to the poor.’ Academy Award winner, Russell Crowe, stars as Robin Hood in a film that will unveil the mysterious beginnings of this idolized medieval hero.

Crowe teams with Ridley Scott, his past director in Gladiator (2000). Has it really been 10 years?  Cate Blanchett is Marion, the ardent owner of a large manor; 5,000 acres to be exact. Despite all of the star power, the film appears to be one bloody battle after another. There are too many arrows, spears and swords, all of which usually resulting in someone bleeding, screaming, moaning and/or dying. The elaborate sets are amazing and realistic as they compliment the superb cinematography. More story and character development are needed to seal the deal of a surefire mega-hit. Unfortunately, Robin Hood left me with too many unanswered questions. Don’t get me wrong, as Gladiator is one of my all time favorite films. I’m a huge fan of epic period films. This one simply seemed flat with little expansion of the characters and their relationships.

Robin Hood begins rather strangely with random people running into the woods followed by a herd of galloping horses. There is no explanation. What we do know, however, is that this film takes place in the beginning of the twelfth century in the English countryside. England appears to be in shambles as fires ablaze in the distance and thievery is rampant. We view, King Richard  of England battling during the crusades. In the next scene, he’s gotten himself into a tight spot as a very large arrow is lodged in his neck. He says his last words as Robin Hood quickly escapes from the stockade.

The new King, John, is nothing like his brother; he’s clearly a tyrant. Robin Hood readily steps up to lead an uprising against his ludicrous tax proclamations. Continuous war ensues as King John has been double crossed by his adviser, Godfrey (Mark Strong), who is, in reality, an ally of the King of France. More battles ensue, more arrows and dying. The troops sweep across the English countryside burning villages and killing anything in their path.

The scenes between Blanchett and Crowe are  playful. They soften the harshness of the film’s relentless violence. When Marion and Robin Hood do meet up, he hands her a sword that belonged to her dead husband. She’s heartsick, but quickly gets a grip, as she explains to Robin Hood that when she met her husband, they were married within a week. He left for war and didn’t returned home for ten years. Now a widow under British law, she could lose all the rights of ownership to her manor. With her father-in-law, played superbly by Max von Sydow, they devise a scheme to retain her estate. Robin Hood now pretends to be her long lost husband and has the perfect proof – his sword.

Posing as man and wife, they share the same bedchamber, although Robin Hood sleeps on the floor on a straw pallet beside a roaring fireplace, as she’s comfy in her own bed. Marion begins to find Robin Hood intriguing; after all, he’s the handsome, eligible ‘new guy’ in the village. And...given their circumstances she’s forced to take a good long look at him (especially when he takes his shirt off)! He immediately takes notice of her. One thing leads to another and she turns on the charm, lifting her skirt whilst showing him her dagger that she keeps strapped to her thigh. Both are clearly amazing actors, and handle the scenes well. Unfortunately, they can’t save the film as their relationship simply isn’t developed enough.

The costumes in general are true to the times with great attention to detail. Rich fabrics of the King’s Court display opulence as do the steel netting and armor of the Knights - appearing cumbersome, however, necessary. I’m puzzled as to what the wardrobe designers were thinking when Marion first appears on screen, as her outfit is atrocious. She’s wearing an almost laughable gunny potato sack of a dress. Thankfully, later in the film she scraps that look for an interesting blue dress with an appealing neckline.

We do find out more about Robin Hood’s childhood. At the tender age of five he actually witnesses his father’s beheading for daring to request that the King of England create a charter declaring each man’s individual financial freedom. This memory has been blocked from his mind until Marion’s father-in-law reminds him that he indeed saw this deed. It’s a strange part of the story, but nonetheless, important to fully understand the intrinsic motivation of Robin Hood.  After all, his father’s life was devoted to the notion that ‘lambs will become lions.’

On a lighter note, Robin Hood’s legendary ‘Merry Men,’ joke around and get it on with the ladies as the late-night camp fire and partying with lute music blaring in the background sets the perfect ambiance. For me, Little John (Kevin Durand) and Friar Tuck (Mark Addy) are true to their signature caricatures.

Near the end of the film, we view ‘the battle of all battles’ and the set design stands out here. Filmed along the coastline, hand-to-hand bloody combat ensues about knee high in the water. The production notes stated that over 1,500 extras were used. Believe me, it looks like it! Director, Ridley Scott, knows how to stage a great fight and if this is ‘your cup of tea’ then enjoy.

Bottom-line: Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett are fantastic! Be prepared for millions of arrows and to learn a bit of a history lesson centering on England in the 12th Century.

Sarah Adamson © May 2010