Elizabeth Review
by Michael Dequina (michael_jordan AT geocities DOT com)October 19th, 1998
_Elizabeth_ (R) *** 1/2 (out of ****)
In 1558, the young, naive Princess Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett) is proclaimed Queen of England after the death of her devoutly Catholic half-sister, Queen Mary I (Kathy Burke). Being Protestant and illegitimate (she was borne of an extramarital affair by King Henry VIII), Elizabeth arrives on the throne with a fair share of enemies within her country as well as abroad. As forces ranging from French queen Mary of Guise (Fanny Ardant) and the Duke of Norfolk (Christopher Eccleston) plot against her, Elizabeth takes a stand with the help and guidance of ever-loyal Master of Spies Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush).
Anyone expecting a typically stately, in manner and in pace, British historical drama will be jolted by Shekhar Kapur's stylish and fast-paced "historical thriller," in which Queen Elizabeth I's rise to the throne and resulting loss of innocence plays not unlike that of--yes--Michael Corleone's in _The_Godfather_. Michael Hirst's screenplay does not offer any true insight into what made Elizabeth tick, Blanchett's effortlessly commanding Queen is no less a fascinating character. Blanchett is just one of a uniformly excellent cast, which also includes Joseph Fiennes as Elizabeth's love interest, Lord Robert Dudley. Even if I did not particularly learn anything from it, I was completely engrossed by _Elizabeth_, which not only makes the traditionally stuffy and aloof British costume drama accessible, but entertaining and exciting as well. (opens November 6)
__________________________________________________________
Michael Dequina
[email protected] | [email protected]
Mr. Brown's Movie Site: http://welcome.to/mrbrown
CompuServe Hollywood Hotline: http://www.HollywoodHotline.com
__________________________________________________________
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
