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.