The Mists of Avalon (2001)

Based on the bestseller by Marion Zimmer Bradley It tells the story of the women behind King Arthur; including his mother, Igraine; his half-sister, Morgaine; his aunt Viviane, the Lady of ... See full summary »

Director:

Uli Edel

Writers:

Marion Zimmer Bradley (novel), Gavin Scott (teleplay)

Stars:

Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, Joan Allen

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anjelica Huston	...	Vivianne
Julianna Margulies	...	Morgaine
Joan Allen	...	Morgause
Samantha Mathis	...	Gwenwyfar
Caroline Goodall	...	Igraine
Edward Atterton	...	Arthur
Michael Vartan	...	Lancelot
Michael Byrne	...	Merlin
Hans Matheson	...	Mordred
Mark Lewis Jones	...	Uther
Clive Russell	...	Gorlois
Tamsin Egerton	...	Young Morgaine
Christopher Fulford	...	Lot
David Calder	...	Uriens
Hugh Ross	...	Bishop Patricius

Storyline

Based on the bestseller by Marion Zimmer Bradley It tells the story of the women behind King Arthur; including his mother, Igraine; his half-sister, Morgaine; his aunt Viviane, the Lady of the Lake; and his wife, Gwenwyfar.

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Plot Keywords:

king arthur | kiss | magic | combat | main character dies | 

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Taglines:

Passion. Mysticism. Adventure. Journey beyond the legend of Camelot.

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Official Sites:

TNT

Country:

Czech Republic Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 July 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

As Brumas de Avalon

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constantin Film Produktion, Stillking Films, Turner Network Television (TNT)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

183 min 60 min (3 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Anjelica Huston was able to keep several of the dresses used in the film and several women wore them during the Baptism of Anjelica's nephew Rafa (the son of her sister Allegra).

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Goofs

When Morgaine and Lancelot are sitting in the circle of stones together, a device that generates the mist can be clearly seen in the lower right-hand corner.

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Quotes

Igraine: But I'm married to the Duke of Cornwall, I've borne him a child! I will not betray him! I gave him my vows!
Viviane: You gave them first to Avalon.

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Connections

Featured in Troldspejlet: Episode #27.9 (2002)

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Soundtracks

"The Mystic's Dream"
Written and Performed by Loreena McKennitt
All rights on behalf of Quinlan Road Music (SOCAN)
Admin by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)
Used courtesy of Quinlan Road Limited

User Reviews

Wow!!! As they say, behind every great man is a great woman - or two or three.

I first read the book about two years ago, and loved the re-telling of the Legend of King Arthur from the female point-of-view. However, due to it's length, and detail, I doubted that it could be done on film. Boy, was I ever wrong!

First, I must comment on the casting. I have always enjoyed Juliane Margulies in ER, and Angelica Huston in everything she has done, but they both eclipse their former work with the quality delivered here. There is a scene near the end of part one where they get into an argument, and the emotion is so RAW that I nearly called 911! Terrific!

Next, major cudo's to the set and design people. The costumes are well done and true to period (almost - it depends on whether you hold with Camelot being dated to the mid 400's AD or the 1400's AD). Next, the scene with Arthur & Morgaine at the Beltaine feast, where they are in costume and unaware of each other's identity, was very cleverly done. I liked the details on the wall of the chamber, and the markings on Juliana's face, arms, and legs. Nicely done.

All together, this is a fairly faithful reproduction of the book, and a story worth taking the time to watch.