The Mists of Avalon (2001) (TV)

Director:

Uli Edel

Writers (WGA):

Marion Zimmer Bradley (novel)
Gavin Scott (teleplay)

Release Date:

15 July 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy

Tagline:

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

Plot:

Based on the bestseller by Marion Zimmer Bradley It tells the story of the women behind King Arthur; including his mother...

Plot Keywords:

King Arthur | Arthurian Legend | Sister | Brother Sister Relationship | Incest

Awards:

Nominated for 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

Also Known As:

Die Nebel von Avalon (Germany)

Runtime:

183 min | 60 min (3 episodes)

Country:

Czech Republic | Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Certification:

Brazil:14 | Finland:K-15 | Germany:12 | Spain:13 | USA:Unrated | Malaysia:(Banned) | Singapore:PG

Filming Locations:

Prague, Czech Republic

Company:

Constantin Film Produktion

Trivia:

Last film role for Edward Jewesbury.

Goofs:

Continuity: Accolon and Morgaine can already be seen dancing in the background of the first shot of Lancelot's wedding reception.

Quotes:

Viviane: No man or woman can live another's fate.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Commune (2009)

Soundtrack:

The Mystic's Dream

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.