William Tell: A new action hero emerges from medieval legend
As the legend goes, William Tell became a medieval folk hero when he was forced by occupying Austrian militants into a sick game: to fire an arrow into an apple atop his son’s head to save his family from execution. This daunting task, which Tell accomplished with true aim, inspired a rebellion among the Swiss. Centuries later, this tale has inspired everything from Gioachino Rossini’s iconic overture to a very funny “Far Side” comic. Now, with the film ”William Tell,” producers hope to spawn an action franchise from this fable.
A grand debut at the Toronto Film Festival
Debuting at the Toronto Film Festival, “William Tell” is driven by future-proofed storytelling. The film sets up an overwhelming sweep of characters over its 133-minute runtime, culminating in a shameless sequel tease in its final image. With a towering Claes Bang in the lead role and a dynamic supporting cast, the notion of more Tell adventures to come is easier to swallow.
Revisiting the legend with a modern twist
Drawing inspiration from Fredrick Schiller’s 1804 play about Tell, writer-director Nick Hamm engages audiences immediately by reminding them that this character is an icon: He’s the guy who shot an apple off his son’s head! The comically overwrought opening sees Bang’s hero ready his crossbow against his child (Tobias Jowett), surrounded by a vicious army and aghast townspeople. Now, I bet you’re wondering how they all ended up here.
From that preposterous first impression, the movie cuts to three days earlier, presenting itself as a brassy epic while countering ridicule with hideous period-appropriate haircuts, lines like “scimble scamble,” and Steven Price’s overblown orchestral score. There are rousing war speeches and elaborate, multi-stage battle sequences, but the best pleasures come from basking in how seriously the stately film takes itself. Mounted at a substantial $45 million budget, the decorated medieval sets and big vistas are captured in widescreen by DP Jamie D. Ramsay, though the visuals don’t cast the transportive spell that the best adventure films do.
The characters that drive the story
What propels “William Tell” is a conviction of character, particularly in the glee it has for showcasing its villains. All but Ben Kingsley, briefly seen as an eyepatched Austrian tyrant who lends a modicum of old-guard credibility, are given ample screen time. It’s Connor Swindells who dominates the film as Gessler, the king’s power-drunk first officer, who’s less interested in serving the crown than in bullying the Swiss. When not sparring with the resolute Tell, Gessler is oft accompanied by snooty henchmen and a rebellious princess (Emily Beecham), giving him plenty of outlets to flex his wickedness.
The film’s strengths and weaknesses
“William Tell” can propel itself through anonymous palace intrigue fine enough, but it stumbles hardest in its efforts to probe the psychology and history of its protagonist via PTSD-induced flashbacks and an unconvincing moral code. While Bang brings dignity (and pulpy bravado) to the title character, the hypocritical production is just the latest to hem and haw about the horrors of war while spinning it into blatant action spectacle.
A new era for William Tell
Despite its flaws, “William Tell” offers a fresh take on a classic legend, blending historical drama with modern action elements. For those who enjoy epic tales of heroism and rebellion, this film provides a new perspective on a timeless story. With its strong cast and ambitious storytelling, “William Tell” sets the stage for what could be an exciting new franchise in the world of action cinema.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit William Tell.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the new film “William Tell,” highlighting its strengths and weaknesses while offering personal reflections and in-depth analysis for cinema enthusiasts. By integrating direct links to trailers and additional resources, readers can easily access more information and multimedia content related to the film.