I'm afraid Hollywood botches epics more often than not, lately. I saw both "Troy" and "King Arthur" over the summer and, while I have appreciated both directors in the past, they obviously had to answer to a higher studio power this time around. "Troy" deviated from The Illiad so much, even my 14-year old son was disappointed. Brad Pitt seemed surprised that he actually had to ACT, while Peter O'Toole stole the movie, IMHO. As for "King Arthur", I hope it inspires young people to read the traditional story, because this was not it. The cinematography was pretty, but the storyline was a snoozer. The Arthur just seemed depressed. Realism shouldn't overcome our myths and legends---this dulls their original purpose, which is to stimulate and inspire one to greatness.
Since you brought up King Arthur..... EXCALIBUR is the definitive and best ever film of the Arthurian legend.