The Mists of Avalon (miniseries)
Arthurian legend retold through the eyes of its women.
The Mists of Avalon is a 2001 television miniseries produced by American cable channel TNT, adapted by Gavin Scott and directed by Uli Edel. Based on the 1983 novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley, it retells the Arthurian legend from the perspectives of Morgan le Fay and other women in the tale. The first episode was the highest-rated original film on basic cable in the summer of 2001.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Based on
- The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Screenplay
- Gavin Scott
- Story
- Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Director
- Uli Edel
- Starring
- Anjelica Huston
- Julianna Margulies
- Joan Allen
- Samantha Mathis
- Edward Atterton
- Michael Vartan
- Theme music
- Lee Holdridge
- Producer
- Gideon Amir; Bernd Eichinger
Facts from the source article.
Plot
The film opens with a battered, dirty, and injured Morgaine riding in a small boat through a misty river, and most of the story unfolds as a reflection through her eyes with Morgaine as narrator. Eight-year-old Morgaine lives with her pagan mother Igraine and Christian father Gorlois, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, along with her aunt Morgause. Their eldest sister, Viviane, the Lady of the Lake and High Priestess of Avalon, arrives with Merlin, the chief Druid, bearing a prophecy that Igraine will bear the king destined to beat the Saxons. Igraine is distressed that the child will not be Gorlois' and refuses; Morgause offers to surrogate but is dismissed. Morgaine has a vision of her father dead, and Viviane notes her supernatural ability called "the Sight. After Uther is crowned, Gorlois rebels and rides to battle at Cameldun. Viviane uses a scrying spell to warn Igraine, who sends an astral message to Uther. Merlin and Uther arrive at the castle, and Merlin puts a glamour charm on Uther to appear as Gorlois; Morgaine notices the dragon tattoo on the man's arm and realizes it is Uther. Gorlois' corpse arrives, and Morgause falls in love with King Lot of Orkney. Uther takes Morgaine and Igraine to Camelot, where Igraine gives birth to Arthur Pendragon.
Reception
Over 30 million unduplicated viewers tuned in for the premiere of this miniseries, with its first episode becoming basic cable's highest-rated original movie that summer. Critics were divided but leaned positive. USA Today awarded three out of four stars, praising Julianna Margulies, Anjelica Huston, Joan Allen, and Gavin Scott's script. Entertainment Weekly and the San Francisco Chronicle also gave somewhat favorable reviews. Hollywood.com noted the series "works" by exploring the characters' weaknesses and failures rather than glorifying them. Kendal Butler of Culture Vulture thought Hans Matheson's adult Mordred "promptly walks off with the show," but felt the production suffered from "cheesiness" and failed to capture the religious conflict between paganism and Christianity central to the book. The miniseries earned an Emmy nomination for Best Miniseries, while Allen and Huston were nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Margulies received a Golden Globe nomination, and Huston a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in The Mists of Avalon (miniseries)?
The Mists of Avalon stars Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, Joan Allen, Samantha Mathis, Edward Atterton and Michael Vartan.
When did The Mists of Avalon (miniseries) first air?
The Mists of Avalon first aired on 15 July 2001.
When did The Mists of Avalon (miniseries) end?
The Mists of Avalon last aired on 16 July 2001.
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