Virgin Queen Essays - English-language Films, British Films

Virgin Queen The movie Elizabeth, the tale of Britain's "Virgin Queen," is an enthralling movie with intriguing effects, magnificent scenery and spectacular acting. With astonishing assets such as the deep storyline of a heroine, splendid cinematography, talented actors , and masterful director techniques aid the movie to become an outstanding peace of work that can not be missed. Elizabeth transports the viewer into the realm of the Monarchy and has them holding their breath. This epic drama is portrayed as a powerful and meaningful story. The film shows the rigorous rise of Queen Elizabeth from her rotten beginnings as Queen Mary's hated half-sister to her reign as one of England's most successful Monarchs. Elizabeth details a specific political process as much as anything else, a process that enables the determined young queen to assert herself over male domination and to consolidate her rule. This throws the viewer into the compelling world of England's Monarchy during the middle ages. And simultaneously portrays Elizabeth as A role model to striving young women everywhere. This wonderful and powerful production is aided immeasurably by the photogenic quality of the twelve gothic churches and castles in North England that were used for filming locations. These locations perfectly complemented the chiaroscuro lighting effects. The engulfing soundtrack and the fluid cinematography allows the film to encompass the viewer into the depths of the middle ages. Darkly and effectively lit by cinematographer Remi Aderfarasin and lushly illustrated by production designer John Myhre and costume designer Alexandra Byrne, Elizabeth is a magnificent artwork. Cate Blanchet gives a riveting performance in the film. Blanched not only looks like Elizabeth, but she interprets the part of a determined young lady riddled by the uncertainty of a precarious position, with great precision. Her time on the screen is a performance of worth, from the energetic, naive young girl, to the hellcat virgin queen, she literally melts white steel in the hysterical, complex spectacle. She breathes life into the revered historical figure, transforming her from an old picture on an encyclopedia page to a flesh-and-blood individual whom an audience can root for and care about. The film's flowing simplicity and powerfully engaging momentum makes "Elizabeth" a majestic ode to a unique woman who shaped an era. The supporting cast in this feature is also extremely talented. With Geoffrey Rush as the crucial role of Walsingham he brings sinisterly to the plot and is down right evil. The hellasious Mendel played by Christopher Eccleston brings out antagonism and mutiny. Also Sir Richard Attenboroughs ,a methodical conniver who helps Elizabeth consolidate her power, performance complements Blanchetts tremendous performance with equally impressive acting. Other actors such as John Gielgud as the Pope and Fanny Ardent as Mary of Guise also give a wonderful performance in this feature. Directed by Shekhar Kapur, Elizabeth is a master piece of film that often combines the poetic rolling hills of England with demented and dark pictures of battle and imprisonment. Kapurs accent on visceral and textured lighting is wonderful. His camera is always imaginative as well, for example until she shines forth at the glorious end of the film in all her frontal iconicity, Elizabeth is continuously seen through distorting glass and flowing veils. The best visual effects of all are the dynamic close-ups and always moving camera that are continuous throughout the running time. Overall this film making con not be put aside. It is a top-notch movie highly recommended not just for the beautiful scenes and impressionable costuming but for the powerful story it represents and portrays. Anyone from teenagers on can learn and appreciate this film. It is a must see that will keep you on your toes and educate you at the same time.