“The princess Bride” a masterclass of using stage combat to show character, with a focus in Inigo Montoya : a three-part mini essay.

“The princess bride,” Directed by Rob Reiner in 1987 and based on the novel of the same name written by William Goldman in 1973 is a cult classic comedic fantasy adventure film full of wonderfully whimsical characters, hugely over-the-top action and whip-smart jokes that still hold up over 30 years later. It follows the love story of Buttercup and Westly, but that’s not what we’re here to talk about. We are here to discuss the sword fighting! Specifically the fascinating way stage combat is used in the film to demonstrate the characters ideals and motivations, focusing on the most well known character and arguably the main protagonist of the film, Inigo Montoya!

(part one, Inigo Montoya)

The film uses the art of stage combat to show its characters motivations and traits all while maintaining it’s fun and whimsical tone. It shows off Inigo’s core character traits in how he chooses to fight, most importantly the differences in his actions between the cliffs of insanity fight and his battle for revenge with Count Rugen. Starting with Inigo vs Westly.

Ok, before we discuss this wonderfully exaggerated masterpiece of a fight we should explain the events leading up to it, Inigo is the best swordsman in the country, and that isn’t an exaggeration. In the book they had to create another level just to describe how good he is. He is not a Master, he is a Wizard when it comes to sword fighting; he’s just that good. In fact he’s so good, he’s even fighting with his left hand out of sheer boredom, So we would expect an easy win when he’s told to kill the man in black so his colleges can escape. But instead we see the first core part of his character, honour.

Instead of taking the easy advantage of the high ground, he helps his enemy reach the top of the cliffs and allows him to catch his breath before the fight begins. It is also important to mention that the tone for this fight is light and jovial, the film is, after all, a comedy, and the filmmakers intentions are above all to entertain their audience. This all important tone is at the core of the film and this fight. So lets talk about it,

(Part two, the cliffs of insanity fight, Inigo vs Westly)

The fight begins, both opponents skilled in swordsmanship, Inigo allows the man in black to attack first. Testing his skills, then attacks. The fight escalates, Until the combatants are fighting across difficult terrain, throwing swords and doing acrobatics until finally the man in black finally gains the upper hand and disarms Inigo, winning the fight. This fight, while entertaining, could not exactly be called “realistic.” A normal swordfight would usually contain maybe 2-3 moves at most, because you’re aiming to kill your opponent as fast as possible. The cliffs of insanity fight contains over 230 individual moves, not to mention the hugely impractical acrobatics. But this is not the point, the point is to be entertaining and fun, helped by the fact that the characters are in on the joke. Its whimsical and impractical and hugely successful in its purpose. It demonstrates Inigo’s honour and his incredible skill in sword fighting, all while maintaining the playful tone. But honour is not the only core aspect of his character, he is also motivated by the prospect of REVENGE! Most clearly seen in the second major swordfight of the film-

(Part three – Inigo vs Count Rugen.)

This is the more emotionally charged fight of the film, the film has been leading up to this moment, Inigo is about to avenge the death of his father when he finally finds his fathers murderer and prepares for a fight to the death. The two stand, ready to kill, but instead of an honourable battle between two skilled opponents, the count runs, and Inigo is forced to give chase. Immediately the tone is different, all the whimsical banter is gone, this is not a fun fight. this is a fight to the death. This is a fight for revenge. Then Inigo is Injured. The count fights like a coward, but Inigo rises and continues the fight anyway, motivated by the need for vengeance. Every blow Inigo attempts is intended to kill, he builds in intensity all the while repeating his signature motivation. Until he wins, replaying the wounds he received earlier in the fight before ending the fight, and Rugen’s life, fulfilling his character arch. This fight is just as important for demonstrating character, It shows Inigo as honourable, but his main motivation here is not his need for revenge, but the love he has for his father. This is what ultimately gives him the strength to win the duel. The second duel of the film between Inigo and Rugen is far more emotionally charged, shown through the change in tone and location and the way Patinkin approaches the character. This duel is another clear example of the filmmakers using stage combat to show the characters motivations, namely that Inigo is motivated by the love he has for his father and his need to avenge his murder.

To conclude, the film is a master class in using stage combat to demonstrate Inigo’s core character traits and motivations, honour and revenge. It uses tone to show the differences between the emotional importance of both major fights and most importantly is a fun and entertaining experience exploring themes of love, honour and triumph in such a unique way the only word I can think to describe it is quite simply, Inconceivable.

Link (YouTube)

The Princess bride, showing character through Stage Combat. (Video Essay)

Note- The quality of the images took a major hit when being compressed, I tried multiple times to fix this but no luck.