Virgin Queen Essay, Research Paper

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.