Love triangle is the oldest story
in history
 By Neil
Davey
Tristan & Isolde
Before Romeo & Juliet there was Tristan & Isolde states the poster
for Kevin Reynolds’ doomed lover historical romp.
As a story the legend of Tristan and Isolde probably suffers by comparison
to the Shakespeare tale — although it lacks the latter’s melodramatic
ending. As a film it also suffers by comparison to Baz Luhrmann’s
interpretation. That’s not to say Reynolds — the man behind
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves — has done a bad job. He hasn’t.
It’s just not as good as it might have been.
It’s set sometime around the year 600. The Romans have gone home
and England is in a mess with assorted disorganised warlords feuding amongst
themselves while King Donnchadh (David O’Hara) rules the country
from Ireland.
One lord however wants to unify the country and repel the Irish. That’s
the wise Marke (Rufus Sewell), the adoptive father of Tristan (James Franco)
and ruler of Cornwall. When a group of Irish raiders attacks again Tristan
leads his men into battle. They repel the Irish but Tristan is injured
with a poisoned sword and falls into a coma. Believing him dead, Marke
gives Tristan a hero’s funeral. The body is placed in a boat and
pushed out to sea... and washes up a few days later in Ireland. Tristan
is found and nursed back to health by the beautiful Isolde (Sophia Myles).
The two fall in love which is a slight problem as they should be sworn
enemies.
Flash forward a few months and circumstances have changed somewhat. The
English are united — sort of — behind the kindly Marke and
the Irish King has offered his daughter’s hand to the winner of
a tournament. Happily Tristan wins. Unhappily, he’s won on behalf
of his father which means the woman he loves is now his stepmother. Worse
Donnchadh and his English crony Wictred (Mark Strong) are plotting Marke’s
downfall.
All in all this is an episode of Trisha with extra mud and power struggles
plus impressive performances from Sophia Myles, Sewell and Strong. Less
impressive sadly is Franco whose floppy fringe, inanimate face and puppy
eyes suggest fey Eton schoolboy rather than marauding 7th Century knight
and hero. Also at 125 minutes the film is overlong and you may be left
wishing Reynolds had cut some of the apparently endless moody footage
of Tristan & Isolde staring into each others eyes. They’re in
love Kevin. We get it. Let’s have some action!
On the whole though, while certainly flawed, this is guiltily enjoyable
stuff.Starring David O’Hara, Rufus Sewell, James Franco and Sophia
Myles. Directed by Kevin Reynolds.
Ireland’s Top 10 films
1. The Squid and the Whale
2. Tsotsi
3. Transamerica
4. The Ballad of Jack and Rose
5. Shooting Dogs
6. Capote
7. Romance and Cigarettes
8. Studs
9. Alien Autopsy
10. Syriana
Source: Entertainment Ireland |
