Director: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Joseph Fiennes and Daniel Craig
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actresses have managed to get a fan following as big as Cate Blanchett. Ever since recognition in 1990’s, Blanchett has become an icon. Whether it’s lesbian lovers, political leaders or bold teachers, Blanchett has portrayed countless strong characters. Arguably, Blanchett’s finest strength as an actress has always been her long-lasting commitment to her craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Through her capability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Blanchett has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although she is best known for her iconic role in the Lord of the Rings movies, Blanchett has proven she can make great films in practically every genre. Throughout her career, Blanchett has made many memorable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Blanchett and adore all the films she has made in her career. However, “Elizabeth” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 1998, Shekhar Kapur’s movie has stood the test of time as a royal masterpiece. Packed with bold production, engaging storytelling and powerful acting, it’s one of the finest historical movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Cate Blanchett, who plays a majestic queen facing regret. Ultimately, what makes “Elizabeth” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most films about royal families, it tackles strong themes that everyone will relate to. A captivating classic about a royal queen, there are many strong reasons why “Elizabeth” is a movie which is worth watching.
Set amidst eighteenth century, “Elizabeth” tells the story of a majestic queen facing adversity. Cate Blanchett plays Elizabeth I, a royal queen that faces obstacles which cause her life to deteriorate. Elizabeth is a majestic queen that has always been keen to have her voice seen. However, Elizabeth’s life forever changes when she experiences a doomed marriage causing disaster. Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes) is an authoritative king that seeks to control Elizabeth’s life in a drastic fashion. As the two develop a tense relationship, Elizabeth questions whether it is possible for her to overcome hardship. In an intense scenario where dreams begin to vanish, Elizabeth wonders if her dreams to become a British queen are truly possible to accomplish.
Shekhar Kapur is a newcomer towards the stories of royal families. A fantastic Indian filmmaker, Kapur had never made a movie about the royal family. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of majestic queens facing adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Using bold cinematography, Kapur captures a queen embarking upon a journey to find her identity. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence”, Kapur uses point of view shots to capture tension queens go through. For instance, the POV shots enhance the Queen ceremony scene. During this unforgettable scene, Elizabeth is overjoyed when she is hailed as a queen in a ceremony. Using stunning POV shots, Kapur creates a portrait of the royal family that is engrossing. POV shots are tricky. As Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring” suggested, POV shots elevate fantasy adaptations. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Using engrossing visuals, Kapur captures tensions majestic queens are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Elizabeth” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Evoking Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride”, Kapur effectively uses costumes to capture the lives of queens with pride. For instance, costumes enhance the ballroom dance scene. During this engaging scene, Elizabeth has a romantic ballroom dance with Dudley after she has become a Queen. Using stunning costumes, Kapur creates a strong portrait of queens that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is marvellous. David Hirschfelder’s music is key towards success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the painful burden that queens bear. Using stunning production, Kapur captures tensions that queens are experiencing.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Elizabeth” is a film about the royal family that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, and successfully uses silences to capture tensions that queens are enduring. For instance, silence enhances the farewell scene. During this heartfelt scene, Elizabeth bids tearful farewell to her lover that causes tension. Using silence, Kapur crafts portraits of the royal family that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use on movies. As Todd Hayne’s “Carol” proved, silence enhances lesbian romantic movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through a fantastic screenplay, Kapur captures lives of queens that experience a painful process to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Cate Blanchett delivers one of her greatest performances as Elizabeth I. Blanchett first earned appreciation for playing women in a painful love affair. With “Elizabeth”, however, she took on her most complex role. It is not easy to portray a legendary queen changing history but she succeeded immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, charismatic and emotional in her most serious role. With mesmerizing expressions, she captures the angst, grief and resentment of a woman seeking to rule nations. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the most commemorated actresses in Hollywood today.
While the film is mainly a strong showcase for Cate Blanchett, the supporting cast is also spectacular and worthy of recognition. Joseph Fiennes is fantastic, capturing the charismatic nature of a king that endures doomed romantic relationships which face declines. Lastly, Geoffrey Rush is worthy of appreciation. As an elderly monarch, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Elizabeth” would earn appreciation of everyone for capturing majestic queens facing tension. Unlike most movies about the lives of royal families, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It tackles compelling themes including ambition, grief and trauma which would definitely resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of England to enjoy it. Therefore, “Elizabeth” is one of those rare movies about the royal family that everyone would adore.
Fans of Cate Blanchett would definitely love “Elizabeth” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A riveting period piece, it honours a legendary actress that’s inspiring.
Nearly 30 years following the release of an iconic film about a legendary queen seeking to overcome obstacles that are mean, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress that has built a successful career through her abilities to portray compelling characters in movies which deserve to be seen on the big-screen.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 