'The Green Knight' Director Breaks Down the Green Knight's Introduction Scene | Vanity Fair

In this episode of "Notes on a Scene," 'The Green Knight' writer-director David Lowery breaks down the scene where Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) meets the Green Knight for the first time. He explains his vision for the summoning of the Green Knight while King Arthur addresses his court and how he created a looming atmosphere that draws on both historical references and his own inspiration.
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'The Green Knight' Director Breaks Down the Green Knight's Introduction Scene | Vanity Fair

[@gabrielmarcal683]

I can't belive this film was made with just 15 million dollars. It's just crazy, this kind of money goes to just one actor in a blockbuster, and they made a gigantic and impressive film with this low budget.

[@RedboRF]

make green knight next time a black knight, the audiense will surely love it. deversity uber alles, ja.

[@jcdenton4911]

@@RedboRF Dmitrii

[@ccovingtoniii]

Yeah, when they're in it for the craft this is the result!

[@BlueZirnitra]

Big budget movies don't spend 300 million on the movie. The marketing budget is usually bigger than what went into the film and a large portion of it is spent on pampering VIPs and wasting money on excessive and needless location filming and gratuitous effects. Every penny of this movies budget was spent wisely, by an artist who knows how to convey their ideas without being wasteful. 15 million dollars is a lot of money, if you know how to use it. It's crazy that people need 300 million to make a good film.

[@FramesPerSecond]

@@BlueZirnitra actually the marketing budget is seperate so a blockbuster that costs say 200million dollars has an additional marking budget of about the same so it ends up being 400million dollars. But the budget of the film stays 200million because marketing is seperate.

[@jmchez]

The most incredible "special effect" was Ralph Ineson's natural voice. That man's vocal chords are super natural.

[@billybinks3158]

haal deng maul

[@kenkarsonn]

He’s right up there with James Earl Jones and Christopher Lee

[@godofchaoskhorne5043]

Alicia Vikander as the peasant girl changes her voice and accent so much it's unrecognisable. I genuinely had no idea it was her and didn't recognise her as the lady untill the part where she talks about the green knight and colour green

[@mariohenriquetomassi8272]

@@godofchaoskhorne5043 truely impressive indeed

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

God of Chaos Khorne And English isn’t even her 1st language.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

The sound whenever the Green Knight moves is just haunting...but behind the scene probably made from the sound engineers twisting celeries or something lol

[@kratosgodslayer6171]

Because of the sounds even scenes with bad cgi looked realistic.

[@deepwithinyoursoul]

@@kratosgodslayer6171 It’s not cgi, it’s all costume that he wore. The scene when he gets his head chopped off is one of the only few parts where they had to use cgi for him in the movie. 😁

[@TheProphegy]

@@kratosgodslayer6171 bad cgi? What film were you watching? Lol.

[@blakeandcamp]

@@kratosgodslayer6171 He literally says towards the end of the video that the Green Knight's costume is entirely practical effects and no CGI.

[@balintszollar]

incredible sound design through and trough the whole movie, but yeah the Green Knights' sounds... jeeeez!

[@porassrivastava8242]

"Why does it need to be greatness? Is goodness not enough?"

[@kylelucasalves]

😪🙏🏻

[@sergent221]

Gawain: "Is this really all there is?" The Green Knight: "What else ought there to be?" I personally loved seeing this movie so much. It is so well done and beautiful.

[@keilanluke]

SUCH a beautiful line. I need to rewatch this film ASAP.

[@ababycow]

Gawain: My lady, my lady. Are you real, or are you a spirit Winifred: What is the difference? I just need my head Gawain: As will I before the year is out

[@waitssharpe7491]

The fact that the actually green knight is a legit costume and practical honestly just gives me chills.

[@RedboRF]

The fact that the actually green knight is a legit brown knight honestly just gives me chills. so progressive. diversity muss sein!

[@Leon-ub8pe]

@@RedboRF what do you mean by brown knight?

[@RedboRF]

@@Leon-ub8pe are you color blind, mate?

[@Leon-ub8pe]

@@RedboRF wait do you mean the colour of dev patels skin?

[@Blueklima9708]

@@RedboRF Do… do you mean Dev Patel as Gawain? First off, he’s not the Green Knight, the tree man is the Green Knight. Obviously. He’s green, dude. Second, they picked Dev Patel for his acting abilities, not ‘dIvErSiTy!1!!1’. It’s not about race, but you made it about race. It’s a fairytale, bestie. Calm down. A fae tree man gets his head cut off and lives, the race of the actors shouldn’t be your focus. That’s just… kinda sad. Hope you’re doing alright.

[@owenvideos4155]

You can tell he cares so much about his integrity and craft and is really humble. He doesnt cut corners. Wish more people saw the green knight and appreciated it

[@rezafathi4385]

the story yet had few layers and depth

[@uhuhuh1966]

@@rezafathi4385 lol or they just all flew over your head

[@rezafathi4385]

@@uhuhuh1966 it depends if one is familiar with the backstories and common symbols used in these stories... I won't deny that I may have a shallow insight regarding these issues.. and although I liked the overall story and ending, I believe it could've been crafted more elegantly

[@billybinks3158]

movie was BIG trash

[@crunchbuttsteak8741]

If it makes you feel better it way outpreformed expectations at the box office

[@geminisol7061]

This movie was practically a moving painting the shots were so awesome

[@learnedeldersofteemo8917]

but boring

[@toluwalopeabegunde4990]

@@learnedeldersofteemo8917 I agrer

[@kennedyfiorella8462]

“Sheer, old-fashioned movie magic”. What a perfect way to describe this beautiful film.

[@lindsaybee_]

The film was incredible. Everyone involved in the making of this film was insanely talented.

[@Exelnz]

crushing on the green knight

[@thisscreensucks]

Can he do the whole movie next?

[@alphadream953]

yeah i wish they still made 'making of' documentary's of movies

[@bradew2]

@@alphadream953 I agree. You would think with streaming services looking for content you could fairly cheaply have a small crew documenting big movies. Just a camera filming the set while scenes are filming. Then have directors, cinematographers, and actors provide commentary over those scenes to explain the setup and the experience of the day. I'm not saying that costs nothing but it would be a relatively cheap way to build a library of content that fans and students of film would use for years.

[@gbeatz4844]

We have to wait for the Blu-ray

[@nickm.5931]

They likely had him do just the beginning for 2 reasons: 1. It takes (& did take him) a while to break down even little parts of the film. 2. He probably didn’t want to spoil major parts of his movie on KZbin, for anyone who hasn’t seen it.

[@b.lloydreese2030]

You mean like a dvd commentary?

[@asian435chen]

I love that the costume designer, Malgosia Turzanska, researched and worked on using both vegan-friendly and eco-conscious materials because of the director's commitment to veganism and wanting to contribute less plastic waste in the fashion industry. So a lot of the leather clothes were made primarily with pineapple fibers or bark. So cool!

[@letsparchmentitupyo7566]

thats amazing!! paving the path for a more sustainable future, all these big companies and productions should be following suit

[@googlymoogly3009]

that’s really interesting

[@Amanda-cd6dm]

@@letsparchmentitupyo7566 or maybe these plants grow on the knight, like Amanda!

[@ElGitarico]

Lame, not interesting

[@eg4441]

that comes back around to add to the theme of nature very nicely

[@jedits2256]

I was crushed when the video ended, I wanted to hear him go on for the whole movie

[@shadowseer07]

I adore matte paintings so much, so lovely to see them utilized here.

[@leleprtk]

I watched it last night and can’t get it out of my head. In a world where remakes and unoriginal stories are the norm now, it was such a breath of fresh air. Unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, I thoroughly enjoyed it! And Dev Patel is SO gorgeous!

[@acepc2]

It was soooo good!

[@jrobs1133]

It's not really an original story. The Green Knight is a very old poem/story.

[@billybinks3158]

BS

[@emilliocarranza6030]

What?

[@fyessssss]

@@jrobs1133 yes but Lowery's interpretation is very unique and fantastic

[@themothermarkos]

I watched The Green Knight expecting a certain kind of spectacle and I came away having experienced a different kind altogether, much more cerebral and emotional. Exactly what this film needed to be and I was surprised in the best way possible. Brilliant.

[@Porpentein]

The performances are phenomenal in this film. Just love a director who knows the value of his actors

[@DougiePlaysSoccer]

How about the value of proper and engaging storytelling.

[@Porpentein]

@@DougiePlaysSoccer Well that’s subjective, but sounds like the kind of criticism a film gets before it becomes a classic

[@screwtapee]

@@DougiePlaysSoccer idk about you, but i was engaged!

[@brandonkey181]

yeah too bad theres about 20 lines in the entire film

[@Porpentein]

@@brandonkey181 There’s a lot of good dialogue and several monologues in the film. I know there is a lot strictly visual scenes, but the reaction to this is a lot like what 2001: A Space Odyssey got. And both films have abrupt endings.

[@CamoFFAArmy]

I LOVED THIS MOVIE WAAAYYYYY TOO MUCH AND I WANT TO HEAR MORE OF “breakdown of a scene but with more scenes!!”

[@ohitshilary]

Same! I just saw it for a second time last night.

[@dreamlandcinema644]

What a great mind this man has. I could listen to him talk about the process of filmmaking all day.

[@AshleyHankins]

100% agreed. I loved the movie and so when this popped up in my feed I had to check it out and hear about his process. Fascinating stuff.

[@anzie679x]

ugh you need to watch A Ghost Story-it’s his film that made me fall in love with him as a director

[@AshleyHankins]

@@anzie679x I definitely will !! I'm a bit swamped with deadlines at the moment but as soon as I have a free moment I definitely intend to :)

[@RedboRF]

and so progressive! yeah?

[@FramesPerSecond]

@@anzie679x Ain’t Them Bodies Saints was what got me. Also love Pete’s Dragon!

[@robertwilliams4682]

Seeing this in theatres in Moline, IL was awesome. Late at night, virtually empty. Film got better as it went on. Like a trance. Beautiful cinematography. More of a medieval feel than any cheap predictable action movie.

[@letsfindsomepeace9207]

Good to see Moline mentioned on here lol. I lived in Monmouth for a while lol. Tiny world.

[@rottenegg360]

It did get better as it went along. I nearly gave up on it a third of the way through, largely because I found Gawain so unlikeable. I'm so glad I stuck with it - it was one of the most satisfying endings/resolutions I've ever seen in a film. Profoundly moving, beautiful, and humane.

[@keilanluke]

Yes, it felt like a trance to me too! I had to drive a bit out of St Louis to see it in a theater I'd never been to, so it was a really interesting experience. Beautiful film.

[@therealbombadbounty4462]

The Green Knight is a masterpiece of cinema and fantasy storytelling. I absolutely love this film! It would be cool to see his take on more arthurian legends. This movie proves that those stories can still be told for a modern audience.

[@DougiePlaysSoccer]

I agree with the fact that the cinema quality proved that older stories can still be reproduced in a dazzling manner. However the story of the Gawain and the green knight was not faithfully adapted and many parts of the story were so poorly executed and frankly confusing. It started off strong and ended lackluster.

[@gregwxst]

@@DougiePlaysSoccer nah the movie improved on the original story a lot, some parts in the original were just dumb lmao

[@nubianfx]

it truly is.

[@makiburgess5733]

It was crap

[@ojedajoel]

This movie sucked

[@Porpentein]

His thoughts on mortality, legacy and goodness at the end 🥺 I want to bottle up this director and put him in my pocket (that’s a relatable emotion, right?)

[@seanh.9862]

HAHA that’s one of my top emotions

[@ctmdarkonestm]

between this and Ghost Story, it seems these concerns weigh on him a lot

[@samiritbanik1504]

Yes yes, very relatable

[@BlueZirnitra]

Wanting to possess another human. Sure, relatable for a narcissist lol.

[@Porpentein]

@@BlueZirnitra If I really wanted to possess him, I wouldn't bottle him up and put him in my pocket, I'd just start a production company.

[@Spartan9567]

The costume design was on point, and the crowns were beautiful.

[@arshiaganji8776]

this was soooo good. especially loved the part about the painted in extras and the morgan le fay and king arthur parallels

[@JazzieHERO]

I love the sound of trees whenever the Green Knight moves.

[@alexisdealejandro6836]

This man is an artist, his movies will be pressed in the future for his vision in film making is a unique and original.

[@mellowscorpio]

So much respect! Watching and immersing myself in the story of Gawain felt so rewarding after a few years studying the language of film. It’s one of my favorite movies now and it has so much to do with the amount of thought & craft put into this film

[@lizc6393]

As a laywoman, I can't imagine how exciting this film must have been for a linguist. If I had another life to live, I'd study middle English language and history for sure.

[@applepie9937]

Hearing him talk it makes sense now why this movie is so fantastic! That part in the end. My heart! Thank you for that !

[@YeahThisIsLife]

Lowery is SO cool - you can see as he speaks and talks about his filmmaking and his intent as a filmmaker that he really cares about the art and the film and everyone involved. It's in the way he even gushes about all the actors, here and in other interviews. It's so cool how the philosophy of life he mentions at the end plays into the film - so interesting and important. The Green Knight is one of the best films I've ever seen - I don't think anything will compare to how I felt when I saw it in theatres (and I'm so lucky that where I live we were able to do safely).

[@Violetcas97]

So grateful I took the time to view this in theatre. The sound the Knight makes whenever he moves absolutely rattled through the theatre and haunted me for hours after the picture had ended

[@andersbaadmai218]

Got out of the cinema two days ago and can't get this movie out of my head. Masterpiece through and through

[@CMCustom112]

Here I was in the theater this afternoon, watching this film. Thinking, "I wish the director of this film was given a Star Wars Project and left to do with it what he pleases." And here he is referencing Empire. It was meant to be.

[@iSOBigD]

If he made one it would end up actually being good and not make a lot of money so I don't see it happening.

[@scorba3]

he already made a film for Disney! "Pete's Dragon". so they probably know his number! I can definitely see a Star Wars or Marvel movie in his future XD

[@FramesPerSecond]

@@scorba3 he’s doing Peter Pan and Wendy next.

[@AlinaAlive]

Loved this so much

[@purefoldnz3070]

terrible, terrible film

[@wesmantooth4456]

@@purefoldnz3070It obviously went right over your head and you are frustrated that you couldn't figure it out. Maybe watch something more simple so you don't confuse yourself

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@wesmantooth4456 Well not really, I read the original 14th century manuscript and was excited to see this. They didn't even follow the original manuscript. I suspect the director ate too many magic mushrooms like Gaiwan did in the movie.

[@wesmantooth4456]

@@purefoldnz3070 so its a terrible film because it didn't 100% follow the original poem? is that all that makes it a bad film?

[@purefoldnz3070]

@@wesmantooth4456 um.. well having the Green Knight movie follow the original manuscript is kind of important don't you think? Otherwise what's the point?

[@BelieveInUrself93]

I would love to see him do this for the ending scene as well. or just even the whole movie lol. hopefully there's a director's commentary on bluray down the road.

[@scottpilgrim920]

Definitely checking this out when I can. Looks so great on a technical and directing level.

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

Still haven’t watch it there’s not lot of screenings around here in Belgium but this just ignites my wok to watch this even more !

[@adrienneh1252]

I adore films like this, that feel like you're literally just walking through life with the main character. There is a lot of space, quiet, a lot of observation, a sense of floating through time. I do wonder what seeing this film would have been if I hadn't studied the poem in college, but even still I have SO many questions. He obviously changed and added a fair few things. I would just love to dissect the artist's approach to this entire picture. As a storyline is the film perfect? No. But this film IS a masterpiece. Brilliant. So beautifully done.

[@victorl3969]

As someone who was almost completely unfamiliar with this story before watching, I was confused while watching it but I remained intrigued. I could tell this movie had a ton of effort put into it and that it was really trying to say something. Usually after watching art house type of movies I feel frustrated and annoyed enough to label them just pretentious. When I finished The Green knight I was rather immediately excited to hear other people's theories on the internet. After doing so, I have a much better understanding and appreciation of the film. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it after 3 days so far.

[@Primenumber19]

The best part of the movie by a mile was the cabin in the woods and the very very ending

[@kayleelogan151]

I had to pee so bad. And kept waiting for it to be over. Longest experience of my life lol

[@alluraambrose2978]

Never heard of this director and then boom in your face this masterpiece, probably the best movie that will come out this year, brilliant story that requires attention and thought, brilliant set pieces that aren't greenscreen galore, the music brings tension. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, you did an amazing job, ty so much for this masterpiece.

[@FramesPerSecond]

He’s already made a few masterworks. Go check out Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Pete’s Dragon and A Ghost Story.

[@rajveerkharod8484]

One of the few movies that had me still in my skin with scenes like this and that ethereal soundtrack.

[@ashleyslingers2814]

This was such an awesome interview. Captivating

[@philanderson5138]

it is the first movie in a long time to move me, it stays with me and I want to learn more about the poems and stories. thank you sir!

[@CrazyTruckinS10]

Such a great movie. Loved how the green knight looked. Kudos David Lowery

[@julienmerienne]

Great job man ! Very special movie indeed, thanks for entertaining us

[@keilanluke]

The message of The Green Knight was beautiful. I've spent the last several years of my life pursuing greatness in a sense - creating stories and films with the intention of amassing a huge audience and leaving a huge impact on the world. My happiness was tied to that ambition for quite some time, but I'm learning to cherish every day, and be happy as I am. I still have high ambitions, but a comfortable, quiet, happy life is becoming just as exciting to me.

[@futuropasado]

The best scene of the film. A masterpiece. Lowery has a special talent for poetic filming.

[@emillelee5999]

i watched The Green Knight and A Ghost Story and David Lowery immediately shot up to my list of favorite directors.

[@arunray542]

Amazing Cinematography and background score👍 The giants walking scene was my favourite.

[@mattheww4019]

I really enjoyed this movie. It might've been slow at times but the mysterious vibe and the message it was trying to send about being brave, that was great

[@brigittem2231]

Dude David is my favorite director. I love all his movies so much

[@fincherkubrykom]

Just watched it and it was great!

[@venox314]

Love the lighting and locations alot! Great movie.

[@travisspazz1624]

Masterful filmmaking, the last 20 minutes in particular!

[@chrisillsley5861]

Well you did a great job. Thanks!

[@livinglegacy7]

Best new film I've seen in a long time! Amazing storytelling!

[@sir_wesley86]

more movies like this! loved it

[@conbiniii]

absolutely adored this film & u can tell how much it means to the director.

[@jesusrox0903]

I love that every part of the scenes he spoke about were done practically/old school art. Love that cgi was eschewed.

[@noisydonut]

Did you not see that fkn fox??

[@razzberri1406]

what an awesome movie. such passion and detail in every frame

[@pvenzELP]

Well said . Hearing the director's perspective added alot to this movie for me. Well done good sir...well done indeed 👏

[@b.lloydreese2030]

I had the green knight in a collection of myths and legends and it was one of my favorites. So glad you picked an obscure tale like gawain. this and king kong godzilla are thenonly 2 movies i could bother bringing myself to the theater for. The movies i saw prior were joker and 1917.

[@philsonslament9955]

Love these

[@salvadorsantana631]

The Green Knight was an amazing movie. I enjoyed it very much. The story was amazing and journey of the knight’s quest had me locked on the whole time. Great acting as well with all the cast members.

[@blacksunsettn]

Love the breakdown, love his painted nails even more 🔥

[@DoctorSeitan]

By far my favorite movie of the year so far.

[@Davidsworldtravels]

This and Another Round are my favorites. With very high hopes for Dune.

[@aaronwhitman3959]

The only movie I have gone down to the theater to see this year. Loved it!

[@existentialgarbage]

The movie is such brilliant piece of art and to get a glimpse into behind the scene really makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

[@50yearsand65]

Loved the movie and the lesson

[@sonofthunder5876]

The painted scenes....mind blowing 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@alaskaaa684]

I salute you sir for creating one of the most amazing movies I've ever seen. It's a true masterpiece.

[@modisuppose1321]

Please can someone tell him to release an extended edition! I would like an uncut edit of Irish scenery and I would like to see the missing scenes which we saw in the trailers but not the film!! Please! For Christmas present :)

[@TheRealKLT]

13:17 he paraphrases the monologue he wrote for A Ghost Story. Fascinating.

[@mariasilviaspadoni8122]

Marvelous movie! I enjoyed every scene, not just the story, not just waited the end, enjoyed every second of this piece of art ❤️

[@ClarenceDass]

I absolutely loved this movie. I can not wait for the Bluray to watch it again. Bought the Tolkien version of the story to read till then.

[@nathanchaffin6380]

The movie was was phenomenal. Thank you for sharing it with the world David.

[@tedgunther9557]

Hope he keeps adapting Arthurian tales. Clearly he’s the right man for the job.

[@leikeylosh]

Please no.

[@TairineSan]

Man, he said that he's a fan of the movie Willow, and that scene on the green knight, when gawain on the road and passes near a cage just remind me that scene that Willow met the characterer of Val Kilmer lol

[@bananafricker9598]

I love his nails. And everything about the movie and commentary of course but his NAILS

[@RedboRF]

and I love his color. so progressive!

[@barbudania]

Best Arthurian movie since Excalibur, and there have been a few.

[@f-grade]

I'd agree with that.

[@dennisbielfeld6707]

This has nothing to do with the Arthurian legends. Gawain wasn't Indian.

[@BlackFeather713]

@@dennisbielfeld6707 did you watch it? The movie litterally drips with Arthurian lore and symbolism

[@eppie899]

@@BlackFeather713 he's just being racist

[@Phoebe_rose1]

Genius film and breakdown of the first scene.

[@terenceflynn5125]

Wow. This was so interesting!

[@Miss.6ixEdits]

there's something about him cutting this scene for over a year that's really reassuring to me. Finding those moments in the edit then letting it sit for a while can sometimes feel like procrastination or being lost but you have to trust you'll come to a satisfying end eventually.

[@ValleyMermaid]

I love this man’s films. He’s a great, director!

[@emilywilson6922]

i just did my capstone on the Gawain-poet so watching this is super cool for me:)

[@filmreviewer117]

Such a humble guy, loved his film.

[@thesuncollective1475]

I enjoyed the movie, you caught the spirit well..I was totally swept along with the magic. I love the way the protagonist is very human and has many faults but in the end he see the light..good job and Thx!

[@Sirrizz]

Saw the movie with some friends the other day. Easily my favourite movie of the year so far no contest

[@RosieSquall]

I just watched this movie. It’s utterly mesmerizing.

[@a.t.3192]

One of the best films I've seen in years, and by far my favourite fantasy film.

[@paulmarchano7238]

This movie was so enthralling and unsettling. It made me feel so small, especially as a man. I have a special place in my heart for this film. I am so happy he made it.

[@TheCohesiveGarage]

Just saw this wonderful movie! Highly recommended!

[@meesterexit1969]

A jewel in cinematography!

[@handello]

This one was an absolute masterpiece.

[@sylviaharris8852]

Loved, loved, loved loved this move.

[@ScumScuds]

This is really neat!

[@bmxadventures]

Gorgeous piece of art.

[@hyoung1221]

Absolutely stunning film

[@entoptik]

Bravo!

[@Unclejack328]

So happy I saw this movie on theaters.

[@NickHunter]

This movie is such a gift

[@tomislavzdunic802]

Masterpiece pure poetry... Bravo... Croatia