At the Toronto Film Festival, director-writer Nick Hamm’s new film, “William Tell,” delves into the legendary 14th-century huntsman known for the heroic feat of shooting an apple off his son’s head. While the tale of William Tell has been a staple of folklore, the film explores whether he was a real historical figure or a myth. Set in 1307, the movie echoes the tumultuous times of the Holy Roman Empire, where the Austrian Hapsburg family, led by the malevolent King Albrecht (Ben Kingsley), invades Switzerland, causing widespread suffering.
William Tell (Claes Bang), who has recently returned from the Crusades and is weary of war, initially avoids involvement. However, after aiding a desperate farmer, he becomes entangled with the Swiss resistance. The film’s climax features Tell facing off against the Austrian Viceroy Gessler (Connor Swindells), who challenges him to shoot an apple off his son’s head—a task Tell ultimately accomplishes with dramatic realism. As the story unfolds, Tell leads a campaign to thwart the Austrian king’s oppressive rule and restore peace.
Hamm’s direction brings a fresh intensity to the epic, maintaining contemporary relevance while avoiding excessive exposition. The film boasts strong performances, particularly from Bang and Swindells, and features impressive cinematography by Jamie D. Ramsey and a dynamic score by Steven Price. With a large and talented cast, including Golshifteh Farahani, Ellie Bamber, and Jonathan Pryce, “William Tell” emerges as a compelling and visually stunning portrayal of a legendary figure.
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