Phil Mercer

Sunday, November 04, 2007

Elizabeth - The Golden Age

 

Its been ten years since Blanchett and Kapur teamed up to start the story of the Virgin Queen and I'm wondering if the wait was worth it!

When Hollywood gets its mits on history... history can take a bit of a bashing! Sometimes its necessary inorder to compact a story in to two hours. Other times, it helps a director get a message accross!

My problem with this film is partly grounded in my lack of knowledge of the real events of her time. I know tit bits, but not really enough. I'm slightly concerned I may end up remembering Kapur's take on history as being the real thing.

It is refreshing to watch a film that doesn't set out to bash the English. This time we can plainly see that the Spanish are nasty and that the Scots are evil!

Having done some research, it turns out that the film is not a million miles from the truth. Sir Walter Raleigh did get on well with Elizabeth (although I'm not so sure about the falling in love!) and marries her lady in waiting Bessy.

He was involved in the defeat of the Armada, but it seems was based on land (not 100% sure of that though!)

The English Endeavor plot did happen and Elizabeth did have someone try to assinate her.

I suppose my problem was really with the construction of the movie. There was far too much time spent trying to use set poses to try and convey plot points - To me, it felt like Kapur was trying to stretch things out and put Blanchett in to yet another impressive wig and frock!

Kate Blanchett makes a wonderful Virgin Queen. Her voice is perfectly pitched for what I imagine she would have sounded like, although I'm not sure she looked the 50 odd that Elizabeth would have been at the time the film is set!

All in all, it is a visually stunning film, but seems to lack something. I just can't put my fingers on it. Maybe its because I had been led to expect a masterpiece, it just didn't quite make it.

Labels: Film Movie

# posted by Phil @ 10:53 pm

Comments: Post a Comment