MovieChat Forums > A Knight's Tale (2001) Discussion > My thoughts on the comments about Jocely...

My thoughts on the comments about Jocelyn's character

posted 16 years ago by MikeArrow1020
9 replies | jump to latest

I thought nothing of Jocelyn's character as a child, but watching it again I really get this sense that, damn, she's a real bitch.

Though the eyes of a kid, it's really no big deal. It works within the story that she would stand up for herself like that, be demanding and whatever. But I thought overall that, of course, the servant girl and the blacksmith were way more attractive, but Jocelyn was still pretty pretty. If you catch my meaning.

After reading through all the comments about how much people hate Jocelyn's character, I've got to say, I agree to a point. But it's not because of Shannon's unlikeable performance. Though she could have done better. Especially with such a note perfect supporting cast in Rufus Sewell, Bérénice Bejo, Scott Handy, and even a few seconds of Roger Ashton-Griffiths.

In my experience, female supporting characters are usually written to provide some fanservice, or just for the sake of having some women in the piece. So there's often not a lot for actresses to work with. (see literally every female comic book lead ever created).

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[–] Spicoli20 16 years ago

all i have to say about jocelyn is that i hateeeee all of her stupid hair do's and her stupid hates. like seriously, who in those days had those dumb hair-do's. it drove my cousin and i crazy the whole time we watched it the other day. its just ridiculous.

RABQ <3

[–] brittr_147 16 years ago

I think she is a strong female role model, but the fact that she kept changing her mind, making Will do all these stupid things, just to make her happy.

Abby -- You can't rush science, Gibbs! You can yell at it and scream at it, but you can't rush it.

[–] no14 16 years ago

but who says she has to be perfect and sweet and not question anything? people are FLAWED... Jocelyn was MEANT to be a spoilt brat... I think this is why the film got deeper because Will was so immature her beauty was enough... its old school, men wanted the beautiful women, it's just how it was. I thought Shannyn's unlikeable portrayal was interesting and provided some really interesting views on the roles of men/women

[–] inlovewithJC 15 years ago

I didn't love Jocelyn's character, but it was more because of how she was written, not because of the acting. I thought the actress did a great job - it's just that the character wasn't that likeable ....

You give me joy that's unspeakable, Jesus I am so in love with You

[–] Bernnard_Black 13 years ago

I was particularly annoyed by her insistance that Will lose the tournament to "prove" he loved her. She knew how dangerous jousting was; Adhemar told her. But out of petty selfishness, she expects Will to just sit there and be hit over and over? Never mind that his winnings help support his followers, and that she's picking their pockets, too.

[–] ElysianGolden525 13 years ago

Agreed that was what bugged me about her most, while he was getting pummeled she was like "Haw haw! He loves me! Hahaha! Yes!" I was thinking: Why should he give up what he worked for, he didn't ask her to give up her life's work. I know that his group were in it for their own gain as well, but at least they cared about him and supported him as comrades and didn't want to see him cripple himself over her stupid whim.

I love this movie for the story of the team and group but I can't really say that I love the sappy love story. It felt like one of the many late 90s early 00s stuff where the lower class guy falls for the intellectual higher up girl who teaches them to be more than a tough guy. It didn't really work here because her reasoning and because he didn't seem like he needed to change for her.

[–] Meushell 13 years ago

That request was annoying and dangerous. I also didn't like her demanding poetry. She didn't know he had help, but is it really that hard to figure out he needs time to think about it? His lousy attempted should have clued her in.

It's also kind of odd that she says Adhemar likes his women silent when he didn't seem to have an issue talking with her.

I love the movie though. :)
-
Malek: It is essentially an asexual process.
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[–] greenjae 13 years ago

I thought the same thing. She's crazy. Don't stick your dick in crazy.
If your girlfriend is that manipulative and controlling, dump her. If she makes you give up the thing you care most about or "you dont love me" dump her. No pussy is worth that!

[–] jaxx-6 12 years ago

I'm going to presume that you and all subsequent responders have never read Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

Jocelyn's character is in keeping with that/those stories.

If you don't like her, blame Chaucer.