The Green Knight: Gawain's Fate

(spoilers for A24's The Green Knight) - I poured so much of my passion into this trailer/character reel, so I hope you enjoy! I finally saw this film a few months ago and I'm just OBSESSED with it. So much to the point that I haven't been able to get it out of my head and I just keep coming back to it. It's one of those films that from a surface level conventional viewing, it may appear visually stunning, yes, but perhaps lackluster in terms of pacing, structure, and genre expectations. BUT. I have to disagree.

The more I reflect upon it, rewatch the scenes, and reference back to the original 14th century poem, the more I realize that not ONE detail of this film is by accident. It's all intentional. There's a reason why a shot lingers on far too long, or is placed in a certain way. Go back and view any shot and look in the background to pick up on new information. It's an ongoing labyrinth of a puzzle that I will continue to rave about for the rest of my life! It is SO beautifully and articulately made that even months after viewing it, I'm still engaging in existential discourse about what it means.

The subtle changes they made from the original text I think were perfect: Gawain's journey throughout the film is a literal metaphor for the damaged, conflated masculinity of the modern man. And instead of shaming and punishing Gawain for being an imperfect man, the film chooses to mirror his flaws and ill decision-making back onto him, and we see how it shapes his fate — the lessons he learns while in the pursuit of what his ego considers to be "greatness". But instead of the glory, riches, and recognition that come with greatness, he instead finds what it truly means to be a good, decent person who is true to his word. Or does he? Being good is something so simple in theory and yet, our self-preservation and desires often withhold us from that.

And that bears Gawain's final question as he's seconds away from his demise: "Is this really all there is?" And we're thinking...Is this really all there is to the film? That's it? We are also disappointed like Gawain.

There are no physical battles, not even one sword fight! There are no dragons or beasts or magic rings we must heroically seek to destroy. We're just...aimlessly wandering around, tripping on some mushrooms, trying to pass some random tests presented in obscure rhymes and riddles, while a talking fox tries to convince us to go back and give up — and everything is just SO damn confusing. And yet, every single second is a test. A test of staying true to one's word. Gawain MUST, above all else, remain true to his oath to the Green Knight, for that is true greatness. And as he approaches closer, the more literal and terrifying it becomes. Surely there must be a catch, right?

I could write entire discourse and essays, and make video essays about this film — and I probably will in the future.

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Disclaimer: In NO shape or form do I claim ownership of this content, nor do I redistribute any of its content for profit. Through this video, I am simply studying the editing craft. All credits, rights, and copyrights go to the owners respectfully. This video is meant for nothing other than to express my appreciation and admiration for this production.

I also do not wish to use the heart of any piece of work that would perhaps decrease the market value of the original content – if anything, I hope to promote the content so that people can reach out and subsequently increase the market value!

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Видео The Green Knight: Gawain's Fate канала Sarah Edits