Army of Darkness - How Good Ol' Bruce Educated Some Primitives

Army of Darkness

How Good Ol' Bruce Educated Some Primitives

AoD in a Nutshell

For those who haven't seen any of the Evil Dead films, it's basically about a demonic book called the Necronomicon that unleashes a great evil upon the world. In this particular movie, Army of Darkness, Ash Williams (Bruce Campbell) is transported back in time to the year 1300 AD. He is given the quest to retrieve the Necronomicon and save the people of the medieval realm from impending doom. Only after doing so can he return to his own time.

The General Vibe

The main visual point the film seems to be getting across to viewers is: KNIGHTS. Right from the moment Ash lands in 1300 AD, there are two kingdoms in the middle of a turf war. Poorly costumed knights prance around on horseback with their yellow and grey crests billowing around them. Behind them are prisoners of war from the enemy kingdom in black and red. 

Ash is quickly added to the prisoners and brought to the kingdom. He later frees both himself and he fellow prisoners. But viewers aren't left feeling much respect for the knights of either kingdom. In fact, the people of the medieval era seem pretty pathetic. 

Ash Schools the Primates 

One thing that becomes pretty darn clear early on is that Ash Williams is not impressed by anything offered in the medieval era. Especially its knights. After freeing himself from imprisonment, he reclaims his gun and proceeds to show the people true power. As one might imagine, having that kind of firepower in 1300 AD is quite impressive and made him the "chosen one." Soon after, Ash was on a quest to fetch the demonic book to save the world and get his butt back home. 

However, every time he talked to someone he kept calling them "primates" or saying they were "primitive." To be fair, he is coming from the 21st century and naturally he is used to far better technology. However, his attitude directs the perspective of the audience. Which leads viewers to see people of the medieval era as idiots. Nonetheless, Army of Darkness is a horror comedy film from the early 90's. This movie isn't meant to be accurate, educational, or leave the audience with any kind of appreciation for the medieval era. Instead, moviegoers are supposed to spend their time laughing at the various stereotypes while the movie makes full of everything - including itself. Even the hero, Ash Williams, is a joke.