A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Date Viewed: 11/4/07

Details:

Cate Blanchett

Geoffrey Rush

Abbie Cornish

Clive Owen

Samantha Morton

Jordi Molla

Director: Shekhar Kapur

Score: 3/4

The Review: A sequel to Elizabeth (1998).

It's 1585, and not only is Elizabeth I (Blanchett) dealing with internal plots and intrigue (e.g., Mary Stuart), but also fending off persistent demands that she marry, while trying to deal with the extremely touchy Spanish and their Inquisition. All looks pretty dire for both the crown and the empire. So who strides into court but Sir Walter Raleigh (Owen), who attracts the eye of both the queen and one of her ladies in waiting (Cornish). The resulting pseudo-history leads to conflict with the Spanish and the implication that Raleigh and Elizabeth were attracted substantially more than canonical historians would credit. The darker aspects of the plot are lightened considerably by several humorous episodes of courtship from the various royal houses of continental Europe.

Good repeat performances from Blanchett and Rush (as Walsingham).

Aside for the miscasting of Scottish coastal landmark Eilean Donan as the English (Northamptonshire) Fotheringhay Castle (where Mary Stuart was imprisoned) -- not unexpected, since the original was razed in 1627 and (according to Wikipedia) there is now little to be seen apart from the earthworks and a pile of masonry -- the landscape rings true. One curious implication is that some of the battle with the Spanish Armada happened quite close to shore.

(1-Jan-08)

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