Monty Python And The Holy Grail

In modern times, no film can be produced without being scrutinized by a number of paid movie critics who are chosen to tell the public what movies implement factors that constitute it as an acceptable film to watch. In Ancient Greece, this idea of a movie critic was nonexistent, due to the fact that the closest form of entertainment that they possessed were plays. However, Greek philosopher Aristotle was, among countless other professions, the first individual to become the ancient version of modern-day movie critics. Aristotle developed six main elements of a tragedy play. These six elements include plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle or scenic effect, and song or music. One theatrical phenomenon released in 1975 which implements

The main character of the film is King Arthur. At the start of the film, he is seen ‘riding’ to a castle to speak to knights about joining him in Camelot. “We have ridden the length and breadth of the land in search of knights who will join me in my court at Camelot. I must speak with your lord and master.” However, from the first scene of the film, it is clear that the directors wished this film to be comical due to the way King Arthur travels. “horse riding with coconut banging (copied from BBC radio horse-clopping) sound effects.” This effect is comical due to the fact that the coconut banging is shown on-screen. King Arthur is followed by his servant who carries all of Arthur’s belongings as well as banging the coconuts as King Arthur pretends to be riding a horse. This act is portrayed throughout his entire adventure of searching for knights. After his quest to obtain fellow knights, he then leads them on an expedition to find the Holy Grail. Alongside King Arthur on his quest for the Holy Grail are his fellow knights. These knights include Sir Lancelot, Sir Bedevere, Sir Bors, Sir Robin, and Sir Galahad the Pure. Along with these characters, there are many whom King Arthur as well as his fellow knights encounter throughout the performance. Some of these characters include the Black Knight, Tim the

Merriam-Webster defines diction as, “Choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.” This film uses diction through the type of English spoken throughout the duration of the film. Instead of using a more modern form of English, the playwright implemented a more medieval form of English, similar to that which was used during the Middle Ages. Diction can also be found in the forms of insult used by characters throughout the performance. During one scene, a french guard is throwing a multitude of insults at King Arthur and his fellow knights. One of the insults he uses is, “Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!” To modern audiences, such an insult is comical, for it does not hold a negative meaning to us. However, based on the reaction of the guard directly after using said insult, he found it quite offensive, and was therefore very pleased with himself for having used it. Through this, as well as the type of English used throughout the film, it is clear that the directors use of diction in Monty Python and the Holy Grail is exactly what Aristotle searched for when determining how good a certain play