Sword Fighting in Movies and TV: An Analysis by Christina Traste

Summary

In this article, we delve into the world of sword fighting in movies and TV shows. Christina Traste, a certified teacher with the Society of American Fight Director, breaks down several clips from popular movies and TV shows. She discusses the different body types and styles of fighting between characters, the use of movement and parrying to gain an advantage, and the historical references and accuracy of the swords and shields used. Additionally, she critiques the use of fencing terminology and equipment, as well as the physical demands of using shields in combat.

Tactical Advantage in Game of Thrones
Monty Python’s Fighting When Injured
The Princess Bride’s Fencing Technique
Criticizing Anglicized Pronunciation and Analyzing Star Wars: The Phantom Menace
Syrio Fore from Game of Thrones

Tactical Advantage in Game of Thrones

Christina Traste begins by analyzing a fight scene from Game of Thrones, specifically focusing on the use of swords and shields. She notes the different body types and styles of fighting between the characters and how they use movement and parrying to gain an advantage. Traste also comments on the importance of humor in swashbuckling scenes and the historical accuracy of the swords and shields used.

Monty Python’s Fighting When Injured

Next, Traste discusses a scene from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, where the characters fight while injured. She explains how adrenaline and endorphins can affect a fighter’s ability to continue and how losing limbs is not realistic. Traste provides insight into the unrealistic portrayal of fighting while injured in movies and TV shows.

The Princess Bride’s Fencing Technique

Traste then analyzes a scene from The Princess Bride, discussing the historical references and how the characters switch hands to balance out their fighting style. She also critiques the scene for the use of rubber swords that bend during the fight. Traste provides a detailed analysis of the fight scene and its accuracy in relation to historical martial arts.

Criticizing Anglicized Pronunciation and Analyzing Star Wars: The Phantom Menace

The speaker discusses various French terms used in fencing and criticizes the anglicized pronunciation of these terms. They mention two specific moves, encortada and glaze-od, as well as two pieces of equipment, manchett and plastro. The speaker also comments on the lack of proper storage and maintenance of fencing equipment in a locker room. They then analyze a fight scene from the movie Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, discussing the tactics used by the characters and the creation of sparks during sword fighting.

Syrio Fore from Game of Thrones

Finally, the speaker mentions a character from the TV show Game of Thrones, Syrio Fore, who is a dancing master. They discuss his unique fighting style and how it differs from other characters in the show. The speaker provides insight into the importance of different fighting styles and body types in movies and TV shows.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christina Traste provides a detailed analysis of sword fighting in movies and TV shows. She critiques the accuracy and historical references of fight scenes, as well as the use of fencing terminology and equipment. Traste also discusses the importance of different fighting styles and body types in creating realistic fight scenes.