Postclassical Period the Norman Invasion

Postclassical Period

The Norman Invasion

With the vast amount of movies offered to viewers in the United States, it is difficult to determine what qualities would appeal to the majority of moviegoers. This being said, however, the best movies are those that encompass a variety of excellent characteristics -- action, emotional appeal, and meaning. Combing war and conquest with art and history, the Norman invasion of 1066, along with the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry will be the subjects of the perfect film filled with action, art, human relations, and historical accuracy. By pairing the story of the actual invasion against the tale of the tapestry's weavers, this film will be an immediate Hollywood sensation. The following proposal will give, in more detail, the specifics of the film.

Historical Background

The story begins amidst scandal and rivalry -- a single thrown sought by three men. A pious Catholic, Edward the Confessor, who would be canonized in 1161, left no heir to his thrown because he had taken an oath of Chastity. Although he married at the insistence of his nobles, he and his wife lead a chaste lifestyle. A peaceful, kind, and devout king, Edward's rule was marked by a concern for his people, respect from other nations, and peace (George 1909). His death, however, was anything but peaceful. Harold Godwinson, Edward's advisor and brother-in-law, Willam Duke of Normandy, who claimed blood ties to the deceased, and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, who claimed a previous treaty entitling him to the throne, were all attempting to take the kingdom. Even more intriguing than a love-triangle, this triangle of conquerors, relatives, and royalty brought shame to the peaceful reign that Edward the Confessor had managed to secure. What ensued from this rivalry was a bloody, vicious battle. Although Hardrada and the Vikings struck first, they were decimated Harold's forces. William of Normandy, however, was able to conquer the area, becoming the next king of England. He was crowned in Westminster Abbey, the magnificent church that Edward the Confessor had built and in which was the first corpse buried (Invasion n/d).

While the Norman Invasion's combination of war, violence, royalty, and personality is enough to make an excellent film, the story of war and invasion is only half of the tale. The other half is the construction of the Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot long piece of embroidery that tells the tale of the Battle of Hastings through colored images. Featuring people, ships, animals, and other aspects of the Battle, the tapestry is an excellent portrait of life in the middle ages. The tapestry was most likely sewn by nuns who poured over their work with the utmost urgency, but only depicted three women in three scenes (Bayeux Tapestry N/D). Thus, the story of both the battle and the crafting of the tapestry is of historical and personal interest.

Location/Setting

Because this movie will emphasize William's invasion, it is important that the movie be filmed in England. Both the region where the infamous battle of Hastings was fought, in addition to London, will be major locations in the film. The film will focus on the Norman's impact on English life and culture, in addition to warfare. This can be best emphasized by introductory and final shots at Westminster Abbey, where Edward the Confessor was buried and William the Conqueror was crowned (Invasion of England n/d).

Cast

The two primary characters will be Harold Godwinson, the English heir to the thrown, and William, Duke of Normandy, the invader. Generous flashbacks will also include scenes from the life of Edward the Confessor. The groups that need to be represented are the English, the Vikings, and the Normans. Furthermore, the presence of the Catholic Church should be well documented through priests, monks, and nuns. In fact, nuns will play a large part in the movie in that they will be depicted sewing the tapestry.

Costumes