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5 avis
Typical Hollywood History: Entertainment, Not Education
I purchased Elizabeth from a seller who wrote that it was "background for teaching Shakespeare." No wonder our schools are in trouble! When the goal is to feel rather than to understand or to think (which is easier, after all?), educators (I blush to own that I am one) imagine that Hollywood is an authoritative guide. I suppose my seller's goal was to get hormone-crazed students to believe, "Hey, the Elizabethans are just like us!" This is itself an American conceit which keeps us from actually learning how other people are different.
Not that the movie Elizabeth contains any inaccuracies. I did not notice any per se, but one had to be a scholar to recognize them in a movie whose chief interest is in the sensual. And this is where the movie may get all the facts right but the message is very wrong. For the Elizabethan age was an age of ideas; Elizabeth herself was a scholar; people's personalities were determined by their ideas and commitments (their character) rather than by superficialities of sex appeal. But this latter is really the chief interest of the movie.
Having said as much, there are many strengths to Elizabeth. Cate Blanchette's award-winning performance has much to command it. Her transformation into the "Virgin Queen" at the end I found disturbing as only the well-acted development of a role can disturb. Richard Attenborough's character conveys loyalty and dignity sadly lacking in other characters. Whereas great drama features the clash of dignified antagonists, Hollywood often portrays the good guys (Elizabeth & friends) against the bad guys (French, Spanish and Catholics who sleep around).
I love period piece movies for their sets and costuming, and this movie is no exception. The nobles and ladies are beautifully appareled, and the high ceilings of renaissance (actually medieval) castles and cathedrals are used to great effect. Shots of Elizabeth's palace are dominated by a colossal pillar and other impressive stonework.
Except for a Thomas Tallis Te Deum at the coronation, most of the music in this movie is Beethoven or later, music designed to help you feel the passion rather than understand the period.
Movies, like history, move us because we identify with characters. When Princess Diana and Mother Teresa died in the same year, millions identified with the glamorous, jet-setting Princess whose commitment to herself rather than to the institution was applauded; somewhat fewer identified with the self-effacing, self-sacrificing wrinkled nun, devoted to a cause bigger than herself. In a day when patriotism is unpopular, religion and those who take it seriously are "problems" to be dealt with, and looks and popularity are everything, "Elizabeth" is the great queen repackaged for our time.Lire l'avis complet...
The Fairy Queen
Great cast, authentic settings, and an entertaining tale. However, this is far, far removed from the historical Elizabeth. Never the less, only books can attempt to do justice to true history and medium of film for amusement and dramatic creation for a viewing audience.
Cate Blanchett is lovely to look at and quite engaging in her portrayal of Elizabeth as she draws the viewer to relax and accept the piece on its own terms-historical accuracy or not. I would recommend this movie for those Cate Blanchett fans, avid movie fans in general and those of us who love these types of classical renditions in the English language; letter perfection is not an essential requirement. I know that this film is suppose to be about the first half of her life as queen and there is another film version of the other half which I have not seem yet though I'm looking forward to that time.
Enjoy,
R. Hill
Chicago 1/02/09Lire l'avis complet...
Takes liberties with history but well worth watching
This is my favorite film on the life of Queen Elizabeth I and Cate Blanchett's performance of the young Queen is rivetting. Added benefit is the performances of Joseph Fiennes, Chris Eccleston, and Geoffrey Rush. The script is tight and fast-moving. The cinematography is just fantastic. The film does take some liberties with history but it captures the essences of the time period and the person of Elizabeth I.Lire l'avis complet...
Brand new. Excellent condition. played perfectly.
I have a dvd/vhs, and at this price it was perfect for my collection. Plus the seller was up to taking an offer. I really like the fact that it was a local seller too. It's nice to get your product so cheap and so fast.Lire l'avis complet...
Elizabeth
Great Movie! Very Gripping and Factual. I watched it for a school assignment for Western Civilization Class and it really helped me to understand what went on between Queen Mary and then Queen Elizabeth. Also, it was a very good Drama and easily keeps your attention!Lire l'avis complet...