Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Outlaw King is the latest picture released exclusively to Netflix, it is a historical epic about the fall and rise of Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick. Better known as “Robert The Bruce”, many will remember him from Mel Gibson’s epic Braveheart where he was the sometimes enemy and ally of Willaim Wallace. Outlaw King details his coronation as King of Scotland and the subsequent war for independence that followed. The picture is a well-shot biopic that is brutal and touching at the same time, we see Robert Bruce at his most vulnerable and most vicious, as we are introduced to a colorful band of allies and enemies who seek to aid and hider him.
The Picture stars Chris Pine in the titular role, with Stephen Dillane as King Edward and Billy Howle as The Prince of Wales and Bruce’s childhood friend turned arch enemy. The cast is rounded out by Aaron Tayler-Johnson and Florence Pugh as Robert Bruce’s wife.
Under The Lens: Emotion and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Emotion: The picture does a good job of making the viewer feel the emotion in the scenes being shown. A few that come to mind, is Robert Bruce’s coronation as king, it is a stark difference from the guided castles of England, he is crowned outside a small church, but the camera shots allow us to feel the emotion of the moment when he rises and ascends the hill to see the scots bowing to him. At that moment we feel the weight of his reign and the struggle ahead. Another is when his wife, being captured is being forced by her politically connected parents to sign a document renouncing her queenship and denying Robert. It’s a heart-wrenching moment as she sobs realizing she can’t do it, even if it means her death.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson: Taylor-Johnson is a great actor, but he really steals the spotlight as James Douglas, Lord of Douglas. He is a disenfranchised heir who is obsessed with reclaiming his land. Pledging himself to Bruce in exchange for his land. Taylor-Johnson brings insanity and ferocity to the role, none more so they when he sneaks into his castle and slaughters the English soldiers occupying it, covered in blood screaming DOUGLAS over and over again. Taylor-Johnson really vanishes into the role and does a fine fine job.
Highlights
The night battle is a well-shot mix of close up action and terror with beautiful aerial shots of the flaming arrows descending on the forest.
The relationship between Robert Bruce and his wife is not overly covered, but what is show is tender and lovely. Showing how a marriage of politics blossomed into one of love.
The lake ambush is well shot using frantic camera angles to show the chaos of the flight, what could have been a standard fight sequence was instead an emotionally charged scene that resulted in the death of many.
Something to think about
what is your favorite history era covered in film and why?
Conclusion
Outlaw King is a well-shot and well-acted historical epic, it is not without its flaws though, the close shot battles while adding to the intensity also take away from the film’s epic feel, and while Chris Pine does a fine job as Robert Bruce. The colorful side characters sometimes steal the spotlight from what is still his picture. Overall Outlaw King is a worthy addition to the pantheon of war epics, and one that while playing fast and loose with history delivers a strong story and a sense of adventure.