Star Knight

Star Knight is a 1985 Spanish film that expertly blends science fiction and historical drama, featuring the accomplishments of renowned actors Klaus Kinski, Harvey Keitel, and Fernando Rey. Set in the Middle Ages, this film directed by Fernando Colomo pays homage to a time of knights and damsels, yet astonishingly integrates elements of extraterrestrial science fiction - adding a modern, surprising twist to the bygone era narrative.

The narrative unfolds in an unspecified medieval European model, where the superb Harvey Keitel plays the role of Klever, a down-on-his-luck knight. Klever is at odds with his lot in life, disillusioned by a world in which his knightly valour provides no real promise of wealth or happiness. When a strange and mystical flying object, seen as a dragon by the terrified, superstitious medieval folk, descends from the sky and lands in a lake, the narrative takes its unexpected, science-fiction laced turn.

Klaus Kinski, known for his intense and gripping performances, is summoned to this strange spectacle as a cunning and rigid priest named Fray Lupo. Fray Lupo, whilst intrigued by the extraordinary occurrence, views it as a warning from God intending to punish mankind. On the other hand, the local wizard, played by Spanish cinematic legend Fernando Rey, sees the celestial anomaly as a fountain of new and magical knowledge that could forever transform their understanding of the world.

Harvey Keitel's character, Klever, ventures into the lake to challenge the dragon, hoping that by doing so, he can restore his prestige and finally earn the affection of the beautiful Princess Alba, portrayed by Maria Lamor. As the enchanting princess finds herself drawn by the celestial visitor's allure, numerous plot twists and turns follow. The friction between the medieval and extraterrestrial worlds is further examined, introducing a compelling exploration of humanity, the fear of the unknown, and a drama about love beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Star Knight showcases a gripping juxtaposition of a world shrouded in religion, superstition and chivalry with another of unprecedented, otherworldly technology. The clash of these worlds raises questions about mankind's understanding of the universe and their place in it. The screenplay also explores philosophical and existential ideologies, digging deeper into the inconsistencies and contradictions of the human experience when faced with an extraordinary extraterrestrial encounter. This feature is what sets Star Knight apart from traditional storyline expectations, creating a narrative as distinct and extraordinary as the entity that descends upon the medieval town.

The film's visual effects deserve special mention. The special effects team impressively manages to bring a mystical creature to life while keeping to the period's elemental aesthetics. In a visually rich movie where the Middle Ages meets alien technology, Colomo successfully pioneers a unique cinematic language.

Star Knight symbolizes an era of Spanish films that found the perfect balance between the traditional and the innovative. The illustriously captivating performances of Kinski, Keitel, Rey, coupled with the film's unique blend of genres, made it an iconic film of the 80's. In the midst of its strange yet intriguing narrative and sublime visual spectacle, Star Knight beautifully captures the human dimensions of love, fear, misunderstanding, and the challenge to accept and understand the unfamiliar. This makes Star Knight a compelling watch that provokes thought and exists contrary to the usual cinema expectations.