The many faces of Robin Hood in US cinema
What's the story
Robin Hood, the legendary English folk hero, has long been a fixture in US cinema. His tale of robbing the rich to give to the poor has struck a chord with audiences, resulting in several adaptations on the big screen. Each film gives the beloved character its own spin, echoing the cultural and social sensibilities of the time. Here's how Robin Hood evolved in US cinema.
#1
'The Adventures of Robin Hood' (1938)
One of the earliest and most iconic portrayals of the legendary outlaw, 1938's The Adventures of Robin Hood, starring Errol Flynn. It set an impossibly high standard for all future adaptations with its vibrant Technicolor visuals and swashbuckling action sequences. It enchanted audiences with its romanticized vision of medieval England and set a benchmark for adventure films of the time.
#2
'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves' (1991)
In 1991, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves gave a modern spin to the classic tale. This action-packed version, starring Kevin Costner, focused on storytelling and dramatic moments. The film became a commercial success, earning over $390 million globally despite mixed responses from critics. Its soundtrack too became a hit, especially Bryan Adams's blockbuster (Everything I Do I Do It for You).
#3
'Robin Hood: Men in Tights' (1993)
Mel Brooks's 1993 parody film Robin Hood: Men in Tights gave the legend a hilarious spin. Famous for its satirical humor and cheeky digs at earlier adaptations, this movie gave a humorous tone to Robin Hood's adventures. Starring Cary Elwes as Robin, the film had witty dialogues that made fun of both historical inaccuracies and Hollywood cliches of earlier movies.
#4
Recent adaptations post-2000s
Post-2000s saw several attempts at reinventing Robin Hood's story, with varying degrees of success. Ridley Scott's 2010 adaptation starring Russell Crowe attempted historical realism but garnered mixed reactions for its darker tone over traditional portrayals. Otto Bathurst's 2018 version, on the other hand, sought an edgier approach by mixing modern elements with medieval settings. However, it struggled critically despite an ambitious reimagining of familiar narratives.