Film Review: Erik the Viking (1989)

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Of all the members of legendary Monthy Python comedy troupe Terry Jones had the honour of directing group’s most popular works – films like Holy Grail and Life of Brian. His solo directorial career , unlike in the case of his fellow troupe member Terry Gilliam , left much to be desired. One of those efforts is Erik the Viking, 1989 fantasy adventure film which was one of the most disappointing films of its time.

Although Jones had authored The Saga of Erik the Viking, 1984 highly praised children’s book that would serve as basis for one of ZX Spectrum video games, his script for the film has almost nothing to do with it. Protagonist, played by Tim Robbins, young Viking who discovers lack of appetite for rape and pillage during the raid on a village where he encounters young woman (played by Samantha Bond) whom he would accidentally kill while trying to protect her from his rape-enthusiastic fellow Vikings. Troubled by the event he visits sorceress Freya (played by Eartha Kitt) who tells him about the way he could wake up the Gods and ask them to end the violent age of Ragnarok. Erik sets up expedition aimed at finding mythical land of Hy Brasil, where he would find Horn Resounding and blow it in order to arrive to Asgard. Expedition is joined by Keitel Blacksmith (played by Gary Cady) who is secretly persuaded by his apprentice Loki (played by Anthony Sher) to sabotage expedition, because new peacetime era would jeopardise blacksmiths’ weapons-making business. Despite that and despite pursued by ship of evil warlord Halfdan the Black (played by John Cleese), Erik and his crew manage to reach Hy Brasil where they are greeted by eccentric king Arnulf (played by Terry Jones) whose daughter Aud (played by Imogen Stubbs) falls in love with Erik.

Erik the Viking is not only a mess, but also one of those frustrating films that show that there was huge but ultimately unfulfilled potential for something good and original. Terry Jones had more than decent budget and his disposal, seen mostly in interesting production and costume design, but he failed to utilise it in tight and tonally coherent script. The plot, with many details that show Jones’ erudition and knowledge of Norse mythology and Viking Age history, suffers because lack of decision whether to make straight fantasy adventure or black comedy like Life of Brian. All this results in often unpleasant tonal shifts, which start at the very beginning where the disturbing content of rape and murder is supposed to be mixed with humour. There are few jokes that could make audience laugh, but they are too few and far between, and often go too long and become repetitive to be effective. The example of the latter can be found in character of Christian missionary played by Freddie Jones and his failed attempts to convert Vikings. The ending, which seems rushed, is further ruined by special effects that look dated even to those accustomed to 1980s standards. The cast does what it can with subpar material and decent performances include baby faced Tim Robbins in one of his early starring roles, Tim Mcinnerny as neurotic berserker wannabe and Anthony Sher as villain. This, however, isn’t enough to save this film and it could be recommended only to the most devout fans of Terry Jones’ work. Jones himself was apparently aware of some problems with film and made various edits through the years trying to improve its quality, resulting in various versions ranging from 75 to 107 minutes of running time.

RATING: 3/10 (+)