Out of the many sequels that have hit the screen this year, I don't think anyone was expecting one to 1998's
Elizabeth. The film won critical raves and was lavished with many award nominations, but very few people actually saw it. Nonetheless, a sequel has been made, and while it doesn't quite live up to the original,
Elizabeth: The Golden Age is wonderfully acted and even more wonderful to look at. What it lacks is a compelling story to move it along. While never dull, the film seems more interested in romantic triangles than actual history. Kind of like a 16th Century soap opera than the historical epic we expect. Still, the movie is not lacking in charms, thanks mainly to a wonderfully polished production all around.
As Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, returning to the role that launched her career) continues with her reign, signs of revolt and rebellion are all around her. Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla) is plotting to throw England into a Holy War by sending his massive Naval army to Elizabeth's borders. At home, there are whispers of an assassination plot being orchestrated by the next in line for the throne, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton). Elizabeth is also dealing with internal pressures from her court to marry and create an heir. Into her life during this most turbulent time walks the rugged explorer, Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). Elizabeth is fascinated by his stories of traveling the seas and visiting new unexplored lands, and for the first time in her life, has met a man who seems to see her as a person and not as royalty. There is another woman charmed by Walter, and that is the young Lady Elizabeth "Bess" Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish), who is one of the Queen's most trusted friends. Queen Elizabeth finds herself torn between meeting the needs of her people, and meeting those of her own, forced to decide which should come first.
In comparison to its predecessor,
Elizabeth: The Golden Age has been blessed with a bigger budget and big name studio support, in order to help the film attract a more mainstream audience. This is both good and bad. Under the good, we have what is easily one of the most beautiful films of the year. There isn't a single scene in this film that does not impress in some way. The costumes, the settings, and the climactic ship battle between the Spanish and British fleets are all wonders to behold. What we get at the expense of this lavish beauty is the story and screenplay. Returning director Shekhar Kapur, along with screenwriters William Nicholson (
Gladiator) and Michael Hirst try to simplify things just a bit too much at times. Some of the more complex elements of the plot (such as the Catholic-led conspiracy to remove Elizabeth from the throne) are muddied and not given enough screen time. Most of the drama centers not on the brewing war and the events around her, but rather on Elizabeth's heart, and the love triangle that grows between her, Walter Raleigh and Throckmorton. Even this seems somewhat simplified, with their relationship having all the complexity of a prime time teen soap opera. We never get a real sense of the relationships, as well, which is disappointing since there is some potential for great drama.
You can see this potential throughout the film, and while it never quite lives up to its promise, it never completely fails either. The story may be simplified, but it is no less engaging. While it's true the movie has taken many liberties, combining history with myth, this is a mostly entertaining film thanks mainly to the performances and to the genuine care that's been given to just about every aspect of the production. Australian actress Cate Blanchett returns as Queen Elizabeth, and is just as memorable and as powerful as she was the first time around. Simultaneously regal, forceful, and vulnerable, Blanchett's performance stands out as one of the better performances of the year, and I would not be surprised to see her nominated for an Oscar again, just as she was for her performance in the original film. She is more than able to carry the film, and help us look past the faults in the script. She is backed up by a strong supporting cast that includes the always reliable Clive Owen, and Geoffrey Rush, who also returns from the original as the Queen's aide, Sir Francis Walshingham. Backing up the performances are the visuals, art design, music score, and overall polish to just about everything. This is a movie that amazes us on such a level that we don't even realize the slight weaknesses underneath until we think back on the film. And even then, we're still mainly thinking back on what worked.
I guess I'm of two minds when it comes to
Elizabeth: The Golden Age. On one hand, it's a disappointment that the movie doesn't dig deep enough into its own material. But, if it must be labeled a disappointment, it's one of the better ones I've seen. Historians and those who are enamored with the Virgin Queen are certain to be disappointed, but those looking for two hours of lavish, romantic escapism are sure to be entertained. I found myself wanting more, but the film still entertained me enough that I'm giving it a pass. Should there be a third film (the director has stated he'd like to do a trilogy), I can only hope that there is a little bit more substance to go with the style the next time around.
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Out of the many sequels that have hit the screen this year, I don't think anyone was expecting one to 1998's Elizabeth. The film won critical raves and was lavished with many award nominations, but very few people actually saw it. Nonetheless, a sequel has been made, and while it doesn't quite live up to the original, Elizabeth: The Golden Age is wonderfully acted and even more wonderful to look at. What it lacks is a compelling story to move it along. While never dull, the film seems more interested in romantic triangles than actual history. Kind of like a 16th Century soap opera than the historical epic we expect. Still, the movie is not lacking in charms, thanks mainly to a wonderfully polished production all around.
As Queen Elizabeth I (Cate Blanchett, returning to the role that launched her career) continues with her reign, signs of revolt and rebellion are all around her. Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla) is plotting to throw England into a Holy War by sending his massive Naval army to Elizabeth's borders. At home, there are whispers of an assassination plot being orchestrated by the next in line for the throne, Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton). Elizabeth is also dealing with internal pressures from her court to marry and create an heir. Into her life during this most turbulent time walks the rugged explorer, Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). Elizabeth is fascinated by his stories of traveling the seas and visiting new unexplored lands, and for the first time in her life, has met a man who seems to see her as a person and not as royalty. There is another woman charmed by Walter, and that is the young Lady Elizabeth "Bess" Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish), who is one of the Queen's most trusted friends. Queen Elizabeth finds herself torn between meeting the needs of her people, and meeting those of her own, forced to decide which should come first.
In comparison to its predecessor, Elizabeth: The Golden Age has been blessed with a bigger budget and big name studio support, in order to help the film attract a more mainstream audience. This is both good and bad. Under the good, we have what is easily one of the most beautiful films of the year. There isn't a single scene in this film that does not impress in some way. The costumes, the settings, and the climactic ship battle between the Spanish and British fleets are all wonders to behold. What we get at the expense of this lavish beauty is the story and screenplay. Returning director Shekhar Kapur, along with screenwriters William Nicholson (Gladiator) and Michael Hirst try to simplify things just a bit too much at times. Some of the more complex elements of the plot (such as the Catholic-led conspiracy to remove Elizabeth from the throne) are muddied and not given enough screen time. Most of the drama centers not on the brewing war and the events around her, but rather on Elizabeth's heart, and the love triangle that grows between her, Walter Raleigh and Throckmorton. Even this seems somewhat simplified, with their relationship having all the complexity of a prime time teen soap opera. We never get a real sense of the relationships, as well, which is disappointing since there is some potential for great drama.
You can see this potential throughout the film, and while it never quite lives up to its promise, it never completely fails either. The story may be simplified, but it is no less engaging. While it's true the movie has taken many liberties, combining history with myth, this is a mostly entertaining film thanks mainly to the performances and to the genuine care that's been given to just about every aspect of the production. Australian actress Cate Blanchett returns as Queen Elizabeth, and is just as memorable and as powerful as she was the first time around. Simultaneously regal, forceful, and vulnerable, Blanchett's performance stands out as one of the better performances of the year, and I would not be surprised to see her nominated for an Oscar again, just as she was for her performance in the original film. She is more than able to carry the film, and help us look past the faults in the script. She is backed up by a strong supporting cast that includes the always reliable Clive Owen, and Geoffrey Rush, who also returns from the original as the Queen's aide, Sir Francis Walshingham. Backing up the performances are the visuals, art design, music score, and overall polish to just about everything. This is a movie that amazes us on such a level that we don't even realize the slight weaknesses underneath until we think back on the film. And even then, we're still mainly thinking back on what worked.
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