As mentioned in the previous article, Yellowbeard (1983) and Erik the Viking (1989) are ugly stepchildren of sorts to Monty Python. These comedies featured at least a couple of members from the comedy troupe. While the pirate yarn doesn’t hold up as prime comedy material to older eyes (except in a nostalgic sense), Erik the Viking is a bit of a different story.
Admittedly, director Terry Jones seems to have also had some issues with the film during post-production. He considered it too slow, and a few years after its release shortened and remixed the sound. Sometime later, his son chopped more out (in an even briefer “Director’s Son’s Cut”). Together, they truncated about 25 minutes of material. The Olive Blu-ray version, however, contains the full theatrical cut. It’s a good thing too.
Yes, Erik the Viking certainly has its flaws and may be unevenly paced, but it’s actually a pretty likable comedy. It’s only hampered only by its rough and slipshod appearance. Were the proper amount of time and money into smoothing a few elements out and working on the sound and special effects, it could have been a bigger success. But it holds up better than expected. Truthfully, I was pleasantly surprised.
In this fable, Erik (Tim Robbins) is a gloomy Viking going through an existential crisis. While others are pillaging villages and fighting amongst themselves, the hero finds it all juvenile and pointless. Not helping anyone’s disposition is the fact that Ragnarok (an apocalypse of sorts) has fallen upon the country – many of the characters have never even seen the sun. In an attempt to change the course of their lives, Erik convinces a motley crew to help him find the Golden Rainbow leading to Valhalla, where he will awaken the Gods and bring light back to his people.
Of course, the plan sounds ridiculous and his noble intentions are bad news to many, including vicious overlord Halfdan the Black (John Cleese). For many men of the kingdom, battle and brutality has been good for business – they vow to stop Erik from accomplishing his goal any way they can. Erik has his own problems as well. He isn’t exactly a decisive leader and finds himself frustrated with his bickering, oddball crew. Great humor is derived from the interpersonal conflicts, as well as Cleese’s drolly funny villain.
In general, there’s interesting subtext present in the film. Religions, belief systems and magic are all suitably poked fun at in amusing ways. Director Jones himself also makes the most of the role he plays in the film – that of the mayor of an exotic paradise. His values order that one should always say the proper and polite thing so as to never offend anyone (for fear that if anyone does and blood is spilt, the town will sink beneath the sea).
Personally, the movie does loses some of its momentum as it progresses – the initial surprise of seeing large Vikings taken down several notches by inner crises, seasickness and parental badgering eventually disappears, but there is still enough going on to hold attention. It’s only unfortunate that the effects work doesn’t appear as finished as the some of the incredible sets created for the film.
In all, Erik the Viking is no classic, but does possess plenty of laughs. The Olive Films Blu-ray comes recommended and the movie, when placed head-to-head against Yellowbeard, beats it hands down.
Below is the trailer for the theatrical cut (which is included on the disc). Indeed, it does feature some of the film’s funniest gags, but there are definitely some zingers that can be discovered in the full-length version.