Review: Elizabeth (1998)

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Elizabeth

Rating

Director

Shekhar Kapur

Screenplay

Michael Hirst

Length

2h 04m

Starring

Cate Blanchett, Terence Rigby, Christopher Eccleston, Emily Mortimer, Joseph Fiennes, Kelly Macdonald, Geoffrey Rush, Richard Attenborough, Amanda Ryan, Kathy Burke, George Yiasoumi, James Frain, Jamie Foreman, Edward Hardwicke

MPAA Rating

Basic Plot

The rise to the throne of Queen Elizabeth I.

Review

Historical epics can often become historical bores. That is unless they’re in the right hands.

“Elizabeth” is a stylistically brilliant film revolving around Elizabeth’s rise to the throne. The film opens as Queen Mary Tudor (Kathy Burke) is trying to decide what to do with her Protestant half-sister, Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett). The Catholic Church wants desperately to eliminate the Protestant movement so they do not anger the Pope, but find it hard to do so without proof of treason.

Mary has Elizabeth taken captor and locked in the Tower of London. This lasts only briefly. After Mary’s husband dies, she also becomes ill and gets closer to death. Knowing her death is imminent, she calls Elizabeth to the throne room to question her about her loyalties to the crown and to ensure that when she dies, Elizabeth will embrace the Catholic faith.

Elizabeth answers that she’ll do what her conscience tells her to. This isn’t the answer Mary wants to hear and, instead of signing her death decree, allows Elizabeth to walk away a free woman.

She returns to her country estate to be with her lover, Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes), whom she has been told not to associate with by her friend, William Cecil (Richard Attenborough). She does not listen and proceeds to the tavern to greet Dudley.

Not long after, Mary Tudor dies and her ring is brought to Elizabeth who accepts it gladly. From there, she begins a long road to acceptance as queen. She faces traitors, the Catholic Church and various other attacks on her life.

Her biggest challenges are the Duke of Norfolk (Christopher Eccleston) and Mary of Guise (Fanny Ardant) who both desperately want her out of power.

Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), long fled to France, returns to England and begins a crusade to ensure Elizabeth’s reign. Including researching her suitors, the church and various other persons in the empire.

Blanchett is astoundingly great as Queen Elizabeth. Her overwhelming presence on screen is exemplary of a queen. She’s easily one of the best actresses to play a British monarch, right up there with Dame Judi Dench in last year’s “Mrs. Brown.”

For the most part, Rush is good, but doesn’t feel extremely right in the part. It’s great to see him acting after his brilliant turn in “Shine,” but he seems to be focusing on period pieces (he was also in “Les Misérables” earlier this year).

Eccleston is terrific as the Duke of Norfolk. His competitor, Ardant is equally rivaling. Fiennes is acceptable and has a certain charm that easily allows Elizabeth’s love for him.

Attenborough is difficult to take, for his character is meant to be overly annoying. However, Attenborough allows his fatherly presence to help in his position of advice within the queen’s court.

“Elizabeth” is a brilliant drama. It captures the sophistication and desolation of a tumultuous era in British history. The technical aspects are terrific, from the beautiful score, great acting and wonderful sets, all the way down to the last stitch of thread on the costumes. “Elizabeth” is an unforgettable motion picture event.

Awards Prospects

Best Picture is becoming a larger possibility as more Oscar contenders are falling by the wayside. Which also leads to the possibility of a Director nomination as well as an Original Screenplay nod. Look for Cate Blanchett to cinch a nomination and possibly even a win. Kathy Burke, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Fiennes and Fanny Ardant are all in the race, but will find it hard to win nominations. Film Editing and Cinematography are now possibilities. An Original Dramatic Score nomination seems assured. As are nods for Art Direction and Costume Design. Rumor has it that Costume Design is in the bag. Makeup is a distant possibility as well.