Of every film genre, comedy arguably ages the worst, as the definition of what's funny can change pretty dramatically. But every so often, a timeless classic like 1975's Monty Python and the Holy Grail comes to the silver screen, boasting humor that's just as enjoyable as it was when it released.
The Monty Python comedy troupe consisted of a collection of six young British comedians, who started off producing the BBC program Monty Python's Flying Circus. Their surrealist humor and penchant for breaking narrative rules to push the medium made them icons of both television and comedy. Gradually, their growing popularity opened up opportunities in film, leading to the Holy Grail.
Based on classic Arthurian legend, the film follows King Arthur and his knights on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Along the way, they have a number of iconic sketch-style encounters, ranging from the Black Knight to the Knights Who Say "Ni!" to the Bridge of Death. While most of the film seems to be set in the medieval era, a subplot involving the modern British police searching for Arthur is also included.
One particular standout scene involves King Arthur and Patsy bumping into two especially witty and knowledgeable castle guards, who question everything from the suitability of Britain's climate for coconuts to the flight dynamics of swallows. Another introduces a repressed citizen, who despite shoveling mud to make a living, turns out to be an expert on class-based political systems and the violence inherent in the system.
Holy Grail had a shoestring budget, financed primarily by small investments from the group's friends, who included Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, among others. As such the production could not even afford to film a finale, or hire horses for the knights to ride. However, true to the comic genius for which they were known, the troupe turned these weaknesses into strengths. Working around the lack of horses, the actors mimed riding the animals, while their squires would knock together two coconut shells, thus mimicking the sound of a trot. Instead of organizing an epic but expensive final battle, the film simply ends with Arthur and Lancelot being arrested by the police that had been tracking them, to great comedic effect.
Part of what allows the narrative to get away with such ridiculous comedic choices as defeating a killer rabbit with the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch is that the movie fully embraces its absurdist style. Since even the performers don't take themselves or the material too seriously, it makes it easier for the audience to accept the sometimes illogical occurrences. This gives the script an opportunity to experiment outside the normal confines of logic or behavior to make pointed commentaries on human nature and many medieval tropes, such as mysterious knights that must be fought on journeys or tricky trolls guarding bridges.
The absurdist style also makes the comedy more endearing and timeless. There is a playful nature to each of the sketches that makes up the story, making it feel like one of the most authentic representations of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with friends. The actors all exude an infectious energy, likely the result of working with their long-time friends, all of whom possess similar comedic sensibilities. There was also seemingly a lack of studio micro-management. As a result, the film's comedy, both verbal and physical, appears natural and authentic, which makes it easier to enjoy regardless of when it's being watched.
Naturally, not everything about Holy Grail has aged gracefully. There are some questionable scenes involving Prince Herbert, where his desire to sing is meant to demean his masculinity. Monty Python also has a history with depicting women in problematic ways, and some of this is seen with the women at Castle Anthrax. While these segments remain inextricable parts of Holy Grail, they are rather limited and not particularly mean-spirited -- more modern movies such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Love, Actually are certainly much more controversial.
Still, the film continues to stand as a masterpiece of sketch comedy, and deserves to be seen, both by first-time viewers and those who haven't come back to it in a while. Holy Grail's current availability on Netflix makes it an even greater must-see for anyone in need of a few laughs.