Film || Archetypes in A Knights Tale (2001)

fig 1.

A Knights Tale (2001) is a action film set in medieval times, based on The Canterbury Tales, which follows a group of peasants that participate illegally in jousting tournaments, It is directed and written by Brian Helgeland.

William Thatcher (Heath Ledger) is the hero whom we follow on his journey of seeking to become a knight. It all begins when the lord, on the last bout of the tournament keels over and dies; William valiantly takes up the lance, entering in disguise in order to win the prize. through many trials, William makes the journey from peasant to fully flegded knight.

Count Adhemar (Rufus Sewell) is the shadow archetype. he could also be seen as a threshold guardian at some points as well, in the way he tests Williams resolve, at one point locking him in a prison to prevent him participating in the tournament.

Wat and Roland are allies that assist William Thatcher achieve his dreams of becoming a knight. They, combining Wat's berserker tendencies and Roland's experience provide an invaluable measure of security throughout. Roland may also be somewhat of a mentor, being the older squire with the most know how puts him in charge of Williams training after they hatch their fraudulent scheme. 'God love you William, for I cannot oppose you.'

fig 2.

Geoffery Chauncer (Paul Bettany), also known as 'Jeff' is a trickster and a shapeshifter. Since he is a compulsive gambler, he has an unpredictable pattern of behaviour that often lands him and the wider group in dire circumstances involving the wrong side. He is based off the same author that penned 'The Canterbury Tales', a collection of 24 stories dated between 1387-1400 considered to be one of the most important works in English literature.

Sir Ector, the knight that dies right at the beginning of the film is somewhat of a herald, his death being a signal of major change within the group. 

Jocelyn is a shapeshifter; she appears initially as a prize, a beautiful woman whom william promptly becomes infatuated with. Later she turns on his desires, and becomes more like a shadow of the hero, before shifting back when his resolve gets the better of her. 

Bibliography
fig 1. Helgeland, B. (2001). A Knight's Tale. [poster]
fig 2. Helgeland, B. (2001). A Knight's Tale. [film still]