The performance in the comedy film, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” which was released in 1975 (and is one of the most iconic works by the Monty Python comedy group) assists in breaking the convention of typical films based on mythological journeys. The film is a comedic parody of the legend of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. It’s known for its absurd and surreal humour. Here are some factors that contributed to its unique performance and impact. Visual Comedy is a personal feature of the film that was a standout attribute for me. The Knights Who Say “Ni,” the Black Knight’s limb-lopping, and the absurdity of the Trojan Rabbit are just a few examples of the memorable visual gags that played on the convention of serious setbacks and obstacles in the hero’s journey. Another factor of the film is that it frequently breaks the fourth wall and plays with cinematic conventions “for the purpose of comedy and mockery”. This self-awareness and meta-humour added another layer of comedy for the audience. On top of that is the aspect of the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” that utilises absurdity to satirise historical and mythological narratives. This approach allowed them to both mock and celebrate the Arthurian legend.
Reference:
Harness, T. (2022) How to break the rules of filmmaking to evoke emotions, Videomaker.