After many historical films that show women as victims of a male society, Shekhar Kapur’s “Elizabeth” is more then a breath of fresh air. Though I’m sure liberties have been taking with the real life story of Queen Elizabeth, ‘The Virgin Queen,’ it’s kind of refreshing to see a pre-twentiest historical figure that comes into power without much choice, but comes out on top. Not only that, but she redefines what England is, never complains about her position, and makes great change without the help of a man. Men do counsel her, but ultimately she is the ruler, and her will be done. Though on the road to greatness she will be a little unsure what to do. When crowned as queen the first advice she receives is to marry and produce an heir to the thrown. Better yet, marry someone from another country.
This way the marriage will also reap the benefits of gaining some allies in the process. Queen Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett in an Oscar nominated role) though is in love with her childhood sweetheart Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes), whom she even makes love to, bringing the whole virgin thing into question. But never mind, the movie picks up when it is quite obvious that there is a conspiracy against her. She fires her counseler William Cecil (Richard Attenborough), who is known for being wise but is not, with Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), who is not known for being wise but is. Walsingham is indeed a surprise for the film, at first being nothing more then a background character before becoming a major player in the story.
Through elaborate set decorations and stunning costumes, this fictionalized story of Queen Elizabeth comes off feeling more like a royal espionage movie then a historical drama, but it is an entertaining one. The key to making the movie work lies on Cate Blanchett’s shoulders, and she pulls it off well. She always shows her strong side in public, but there are moments when we can see the inner battle that is waging inside her for key questions. A scene where she is advised to go to war with Scotland is powerful not because of what’s said but for what’s conveyed. Likewise when Elizabeth discovers someone close to her has betrayed her she stays calm and gives a firm order of action on what to do about it.
Though she gives the order with dignity and authority, you can see in her eyes she wants to burst out crying. I wouldn’t classify “Elizabeth” as a great film. I think it’s more of a good film that’s told better then I’m used to seeing it told. The acting, making, and sets are the real stars of this film. The storyline is actually the weakest part of the movie, as it’s just good enough to get by. Everything else though is first rate, making this a film worth seeing at least once. On a final note, while I enjoyed this film a great deal, I never suspected we would see a sequel come of it. I tell you now, I’m going to be very interested in how it turns out.
- -Review By Kevin T. Rodriguez- -
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