It’s something that’s troubled socio-anthropologists for generations and flummoxed the greatest scientific minds on either side of the Atlantic. Even now, after years of careful study, it’s remains a mystery why ordinary, run-of the-mill Americans will occasionally drop everything to slip into period costume and start jousting with each other for no apparent reason. We refer, of course, to the Renaissance Fair, a curiously American tradition that in no way concerns itself with anything American. That doesn’t seem to deter our cousins in the Land of the Free, though, as they can often be seen indulging in the practice, outfitting themselves in all things medieval before prancing around and pretending to be from the 16th century. And they laugh at us for Morris dancing.
Just such a historical re-enactment is the subject of Jack Black’s latest film, Ye Olde Times, which is currently up for grabs here at Cannes. The film is set against the backdrop of two rival fairs vying for ownership of all things Middle Ages and star the crazy comic as Professor Shockworthy, the film’s narrator and a man who tutors a pair of romantically entwined characters in the mysterious ways of love (presumably including hints on first date codpiece selection and instruction in the tricky-to-master ‘stocks’ position).
The film also stars Tim Robbins, Will Arnett and Cary Elwes, with a cameo from the ever awesome John C Reilly.
Thanks to ScreenDaily for the scoop.