Virgin Queen
The movie Elizabeth, the tale of Britain’s "Virgin Queen," is
an
enthralling movie with intriguing effects, magnificent scenery and
spectacular
acting. With astonishing assets such as the deep storyline of a
heroine,
splendid cinematography, talented actors , and masterful director
techniques aid
the movie to become an outstanding peace of work that can not
be missed.
Elizabeth transports the viewer into the realm of the Monarchy
and has them
holding their breath. This epic drama is portrayed as a powerful
and meaningful
story. The film shows the rigorous rise of Queen Elizabeth
from her rotten
beginnings as Queen Mary’s hated half-sister to her reign as
one of
England’s most successful Monarchs. Elizabeth details a specific
political
process as much as anything else, a process that enables the
determined young
queen to assert herself over male domination and to
consolidate her rule. This
throws the viewer into the compelling world of
England’s Monarchy during the
middle ages. And simultaneously portrays
Elizabeth as A role model to striving
young women everywhere. This wonderful
and powerful production is aided
immeasurably by the photogenic quality of
the twelve gothic churches and castles
in North England that were used for
filming locations. These locations perfectly
complemented the chiaroscuro
lighting effects. The engulfing soundtrack and the
fluid cinematography
allows the film to encompass the viewer into the depths of
the middle ages.
Darkly and effectively lit by cinematographer Remi Aderfarasin
and lushly
illustrated by production designer John Myhre and costume
designer
Alexandra Byrne, Elizabeth is a magnificent artwork. Cate
Blanchet gives a
riveting performance in the film. Blanched not only looks
like Elizabeth, but
she interprets the part of a determined young lady
riddled by the uncertainty of
a precarious position, with great precision.
Her time on the screen is a
performance of worth, from the energetic, naive
young girl, to the hellcat
virgin queen, she literally melts white steel in
the hysterical, complex
spectacle. She breathes life into the revered
historical figure, transforming
her from an old picture on an encyclopedia
page to a flesh-and-blood individual
whom an audience can root for and care
about. The film's flowing simplicity and
powerfully engaging momentum makes
"Elizabeth" a majestic ode to a
unique woman who shaped an era. The
supporting cast in this feature is also
extremely talented. With Geoffrey
Rush as the crucial role of Walsingham he
brings sinisterly to the plot and
is down right evil. The hellasious Mendel
played by Christopher Eccleston
brings out antagonism and mutiny. Also Sir
Richard Attenboroughs ,a
methodical conniver who helps Elizabeth consolidate her
power, performance
complements Blanchetts tremendous performance with equally
impressive acting.
Other actors such as John Gielgud as the Pope and Fanny
Ardent as Mary of
Guise also give a wonderful performance in this feature.
Directed by
Shekhar Kapur, Elizabeth is a master piece of film that often
combines the
poetic rolling hills of England with demented and dark pictures of
battle and
imprisonment. Kapurs accent on visceral and textured lighting is
wonderful.
His camera is always imaginative as well, for example until she
shines forth
at the glorious end of the film in all her frontal iconicity,
Elizabeth
is continuously seen through distorting glass and flowing veils. The
best
visual effects of all are the dynamic close-ups and always moving camera
that
are continuous throughout the running time. Overall this film making con
not
be put aside. It is a top-notch movie highly recommended not just for
the
beautiful scenes and impressionable costuming but for the powerful story
it
represents and portrays. Anyone from teenagers on can learn and appreciate
this
film. It is a must see that will keep you on your toes and educate you
at the
same time.