When “A Knight’s Tale” was released five years ago, it caused some consternation because of its use of so much anachronistic music and other elements. Set in 14th century Europe, the movie is consciously, even self-consciously, non-realistic. It’s even defiantly so—at the first joust, the audience in the bleachers chants “We will rock you” and does the wave. Later, a stately court dance turns into something suited for a 21st century rock club. At times, this is amusing; that “We Will Rock You” bit is at least funny—but that dance is downright jarring, and not staged well enough to allow us to appreciate it for its contemporary styling. This is far from the first movie to play with historical/stylistic elements. Way back in the 1940s, in “A Thousand and One Nights,” Phil Silvers turned up in his trademark horn-rim glasses and hipster dialogue. In the 1950s, “Red Garters” was styled to resemble a theatrical ...