Tuesday, BBC1, 12:25am
Few films stride through the misty glens of cinematic history with the same swagger as Highlander (1986). Directed by Russell Mulcahy, this gloriously over-the-top fantasy-action romp follows Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert), an immortal Scotsman battling through centuries of history, decapitations, and questionable accents to reach the ominous-sounding "Prize." From medieval Scotland to neon-drenched 1980s New York, Highlander is a kaleidoscope of anachronisms, with Clancy Brown's deliciously malevolent Kurgan stealing scenes like a broadsword-wielding glam rocker. Sean Connery as an Egyptian-Spaniard mentor is the tartan cherry on top—a casting decision so magnificently absurd it becomes transcendent.
But let’s talk about the real star: the soundtrack. Queen, in their majestic pomp, didn’t just compose a few tracks—they crafted a rock opera symphony. Songs like “Princes of the Universe” and “Who Wants to Live Forever” perfectly encapsulate the film’s campy grandeur and heartfelt melancholy. Brian May’s searing guitar solos elevate the immortal struggle to operatic heights, blending rock with echoes of baroque drama. Not to be overlooked, Michael Kamen’s orchestral score weaves a rich tapestry, grounding the flamboyant narrative in an emotional core that somehow keeps it from tipping into full parody.
If Highlander feels like the love child of Tolkien and a particularly eccentric D&D session, that’s part of its enduring charm. The film has inspired countless spin-offs, from dodgy sequels to cult TV shows, yet none captured the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original. Thematically, it’s pure Joseph Campbell by way of MTV—heroic myth-making refracted through swords, synths, and a knowing wink. With its immortal warriors duking it out in a world that feels simultaneously ancient and modern, Highlander is more than a film; it’s a fever dream that refuses to die. Just don’t ask Christopher Lambert to do the accent again.
- Noel Chambers