The Mists of Avalon (TV 2001)

Based on the bestseller by Marion Zimmer Bradley It tells the story of the women behind King Arthur; including his mother, Igraine; his half-sister, Morgaine; his aunt Viviane, the Lady of the Lake; and his wife, Gwenwyfar.



Director: Uli Edel

Writers:

Marion Zimmer Bradley (novel), Gavin Scott (teleplay)

So, I passed this one up for a long time.  It clearly looked like a lifetime original movie for women.  Well, I wasn't all that wrong.  This is the story of Arthur, Camelot, Merlin etc. except told from a woman's perspective.  More precisely from Morgaine's perspective.

That's not to say I completely hated this movie.  In fact, It wasn't half bad.  There's not alot of action, but there's some.  The acting is very good.  The movie looks great.  There was just a little too much boredom here.

As far as the tale of King Arther goes, this changes things up quite a bit.  Morgaine isn't the villain here.  In fact, she's pretty much a good guy.  There is some amount of magic, but not alot.  Merlin is here, but he's more of a seer than a wizard.

The limited amount of action shown was done very well, and the ending was pretty damn good.  This being a TV movie, obviously, there is no nudity to be had, but Julianna Margulies is quite easy on the eyes.

I would recommend this for a watch.  Try to look over the "Lifetime" aspects and enjoy a well written, well acted story.

The Cast

Julianna Margulies ... Morgaine

Anjelica Huston ... Vivianne

Caroline Goodall ... Igraine

Joan Allen ... Morgause

Samantha Mathis ... Gwenwyfar

Edward Atterton ... Arthur

Michael Vartan ... Lancelot

Hans Matheson ... Mordred

Mark Lewis Jones ... Uther

Michael Byrne ... Merlin

Christopher Fulford ... Lot

Clive Russell ... Gorlois

Hugh Ross ... Bishop Patricius

Ian Duncan ... Accolon

Noah Huntley ... Gawain

Tamsin Egerton ... Young Morgaine

Tony Curran ... Uther's Captain