It seems like only yesterday that a relatively unknown actress named Cate Blancett took the world by storm. In the 1998 historical drama Elizabeth, Blanchett portrayed Elizabeth I, the young, controversial, and Protestant heir who took the throne against the wishes of many Catholics; this included the Pope who ordered the queen destroyed. Since her debut, Blanchett has climbed the success ladder and become one of the most respected actresses in both mainstream and independent cinema. So it seems fitting for the actress to revisit the Academy Award-nominated role that made her famous in the first place. Elizabeth followed the life of the monarch as she overcame obstacles to become one of history's most remarkable rulers, and it traced only this youthful period in her life. I never thought I would say, "I smell a sequel", but the heroine is revisited during her latter years of life in Elizabeth: The Golden Age.
Unlike the young, sexual and precocious Elizabeth in the first film, this queen is mature and experienced. She has taken charge of the throne and proven that even a non-Catholic woman can properly rule a country. This experience can be seen in the age lines on her face. However, there still exist forces that disagree with her nontraditional ways. This includes Philip II of Spain (Jordi Molla), who schemes to attack England and have Elizabeth killed so a Catholic can take the throne. He sees this opportunity through Mary, Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton), the distant cousin of Elizabeth who is next in line to rule.
As if Elizabeth I does not have her own life and country to worry about, the unmarried queen also must deal with Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). The renowned pirate and explorer has returned from the New World where he has built his own settlement and discovered a slew of profitable crops such as potatoes and tobacco. He wishes to receive the queen's backing in his return to the great settlement, but finds himself entangled in a love triangle. Perhaps the great queen fancies the dashing explorer. But Raleigh hardly takes notice to her advances due to the innocent beauty of Elizabeth's lady in waiting, Bess Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish). Let's just hope all of this drama is settled before the Spanish Armada of 1588!
Yes, the prior paragraph sounds a lot like a sappy love triangle from a romantic dramedy. Unfortunately this is the shortcoming of this historical sequel. There were times when I could recall Michael Bay's Pearl Harbor as a whiny love triangle is placed front and center in the middle of history. I began to wonder if these scenes were intended to teach us something valuable, or show us where Melrose Place got its roots. This is only glamorized by the presence of Clive Owen as a hunky Walter Raleigh and the sexy Abbie Cornish as the object of his obsession.
However, there is actually good news here. Thus far, Elizabeth: The Golden Years is receiving negative buzz for emphasizing romance over history. There may be a couple of instances when I felt the drama was being derailed, but the film also has its fair share of terrific moments. When explorers and royalty are not getting jealous or having sex, there is still a solid film here that is marvelously directed by returning filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. It is beyond me why the predecessor film received such high grades, while this one is getting slammed. Much of the filmmaking style is consistent with the original as are the character portrayals. Clocking in at less than two hours, Elizabeth: The Golden Age does not pack the extended punch of a sweeping epic. Instead it concentrates its energy on a very specific time in the monarch's life. Yes, it focuses on her man problems. But is also depicts the battle between Spain and England with bravura imagery. It is quite a treat to see the famous taking of the Spanish Armada reenacted on screen. While flamboyant, the art direction is another added bonus. The filmmaker, as in the first film, has a keen eye for properly replicating the costumes and settings of the time period.
The performances also manage to keep this flawed drama afloat. I am not sure if I have seen Cate Blanchett turn in a poor performance. She is right on key as Elizabeth, and she knows how to take on old age. Despite her aged makeup treatment, she embraces the characteristics of an aged woman who must contend with releasing her childish spirit. Despite playing Walter Raleigh as if he were Errol Flynn, there is something still likable about Clive Owen. He may clearly have been cast to bring a sense of sex appeal to old England, but I still can't fault the man's performance. Owen manages to complete every scene with confidence, and without going too much over the top. Kudos also go to Samantha Morton and Rhys Ifans in delightful and villainous supporting roles.
I enjoyed Elizabeth: The Golden Age, to a certain extent, more than the original film. At the same time, I was nerved by its addition of Hollywood romance. The movie does not reach its fullest potential, but it is still pretty damn enjoyable. I failed to spot enough flaws in this historical story to see beyond its entertainment value. This movie had me captivated many of times. I will stress that I am a movie expert, and not a history expert. Whether or not this properly adheres to accurate accounts is beyond me. But I can admit to my appreciation of this film despite its soapy shortcomings.
Questions? Comments? Just want to talk movies? Drop me a line at dodd@movieweb.com
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