Seven Academy Award nominations. 10 years ago Elizabeth garnered seven nominations. Apparently, a lot changes in that gap.
Take this review with a grain of salt. Not because I was at a Mcmenniman's theater and swilling beer while watching, but rather because I was seething with anger when I exited that theater. Seeing red. Pissed off.
The first movie was full of history, intrigue, crazy french persons, assassins, the pope, a cold-blooded bodyguard, and overheated politicians. It actually inspired me to read everything I could get my hands on to learn more about this time frame and people involved. That was my downfall.
I quickly realized that dramatic interpretation was abundant in that film, but I was willing to forgive it and move on, because it was a GOOD movie. I liked it originally and was able to move past my new-found knowledge.
Then this was announced. A new chapter. The movement of Spain against England, the continued wooing by heads of state, the intrigue, imprisonment and execution of Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland. Wait a minute...they killed her off in the first movie. What are they going to do? How will they bring about the Spanish attack?
Regardless, I was still pumped to see this movie. They are adding Clive Owen, and Samantha Morton. Two actors I love. This couldn't be better! Then I saw it. Never again Shekhar Kapur, never again will I watch a film directed by you. First, Four Feathers and now this. I'm done with you.
It's like Mr. Kapur got the outline from the writers and returned it to them covered in red ink, demanding to know where the tragic love story was, where was the over-the-top, smarmy dialogue, where was the insane villain? Try again boys. In the end, he got what he wanted, and it's all in there. Of course, I'm just throwing stuff out there for your entertainment, but I do really feel this way in my gut.
In spite of the hate I'm spewing forth, I did find a few things to enjoy about this movie. The visuals are stunning! This director absolutely knows how to make a beautiful movie. Sets were large and open for the massive feel of palaces and churches. Colors were almost a character in this film. They helped describe the mood, the people surrounded by them. No doubt the cinematographer knows his stuff and what he/she wants to convey.
Despite the commentary on the colors, I did notice that the walls and some settings were stark white. Which brings me to the other thing I liked. This film will definitely win an Oscar come February...in costume design. As I was leaving to see this movie, someone made a statement to me. Someone with knowledge as a seamstress, and she only uttered two words: "Fabric Porn." After laughing at that term for about 30 minutes, I determined she was absolutely correct. Everything was elaborate. Clearly the settings were overly white for one reason: to highlight the costumes.
A major victory for this film in my mind was that they found a way to bring back Mary, Queen of Scots. How did they do this you ask? How about by completely ignoring that fact that they killed her in the first movie. Yeah, that's right. Didn't happen apparently. The closest thing I found to true history in this film was everything involving Mary Stuart. Her collusion in the assassination planning on Elizabeth and her execution were very close to what history records. Though, they did leave out a couple of horrible details in regards to the actual execution.
Finally, the actors/actresses all did their job, despite the contrived script. Cate Blanchett remains a favorite of mine and what she did was good. Her fury, her wit. All there and very commendable. You can not fault the actors in this film, Geoffrey Rush made the film for me in this and the previous film. I love his Walsingham. Samantha Morton played Queen Mary, and her brief loss of control is spectacular. Clive Owens was given crap to work with, but he did his best. He's not bad, everybody knows he is not a bad actor. I pity him, this role.
Bottom line, I'm biased, I know that. If this column suffers it's my fault, but I really hated what they did to the story here. I say to you, Mr. Kapur, inserting drama for drama's sake is not always necessary and can ruin a film. I will never forgive the stupid love story you threw into this film.
If you want to see a truer story of Elizabeth I, rent or purchase the HBO version starring Helen Mirren and titled, "Elizabeth I." In that version you will be told what occurred at the execution of Queen Mary. You will also see and hear the true speech that Elizabeth gave on the battlefield prior to the sea battle with Spain.
I give Elizabeth: The Golden Years 2 red wigs out of 5 red wigs. Wait for it to play repeatedly on cable.
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