Forgotten Movie - The Name of the Rose
Even before the release of Dungeons and Dragons : Honor Among Thieves, we liked to watch old movies and try to figure out how they tied into D&D. From the first Fantasy Movie or The Other D&D Movie, to a Possible Harry Potter Reboot or Chandu the Magician, we love movies - especially these forgotten gems. This leads us to today’s “Forgotten Movie” - The Name of the Rose.
The Name of the Rose is a 1986 movie based on the novel by Umberto Eco, starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater. The film is set in a medieval monastery, where a series of murders take place, and the main character, William of Baskerville, is tasked with solving the mystery. Although on the surface, it may seem like a completely different genre from Dungeons and Dragons, there are some striking similarities between the two.
One of the most notable similarities is the presence of clerics. In The Name of the Rose, the monks who inhabit the monastery are not only religious figures, but also have skills and abilities that are similar to those of clerics in D&D. They possess healing powers, knowledge of languages and history, and the ability to use religious artifacts to defeat their enemies.
Also like D&D the plot of film is centered around a mystery that the main characters must solve. In the movie, the characters must investigate a series of murders that have taken place in the monastery. As they explore the dark and mysterious halls of the building, they encounter obstacles and challenges that test their skills and abilities.
The use of skills and abilities is also a key element in both The Name of the Rose and D&D. In the movie, William of Baskerville uses his knowledge of philosophy and theology to deduce clues and solve the mystery. Similarly, in Roleplaying Games, each character has their own unique skills and abilities, which they can use to overcome challenges and progress in the quest.
Finally, one cannot leave without mentioning the acting and character development. In both The Name of the Rose and D&D, the characters all have their own distinct personalities and motivations, and their interactions with each other drive the plot forward. This is exemplified in the film by the stellar performances of Connery and Slater (in just his 2nd film appearance). You truly believe they have taken on their roles, and their interactions together make the movie worth watching, gaming aspects aside.
In the end, The Name of the Rose is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys a great blend of Sherlock Holmes-style mystery solving, role-playing games, and Shakespearean themes. The movie has it all - incredible character development, a fascinating storyline, and an abundance of thematic elements. For Dungeon Masters looking for inspiration for their next game, The Name of the Rose should definitely be on their watchlist. The film offers a wealth of ideas that can be adapted into RPG scenarios, from the exploration of complex environments to the use of skills and abilities in solving puzzles and defeating enemies. Overall, The Name of the Rose is a brilliant movie that is well worth checking out for anyone who loves adventure, mystery, and great storytelling.
