http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/15/ELIZABETH-THE-GOLDEN-AGE-Crown-Cate-The-Queen.aspx ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE is not a film that coddles its audience. You’re kind of thrown into the middle of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. If you don’t know what’s going on by the time you finish reading the five sentences that open the movie, tough luck. Just grab on and enjoy the ride. Well…enjoy some of the ride. Cate Blanchett, as always, is friggin’ amazing. Her Elizabeth is not simply a stoic woman who wears gorgeous dresses and sits quietly on her throne. She’s powerful and moody and even childish at times. She commanded the screen, as I’d like to believe Elizabeth commanded her court, but she never looses the humanity of the Queen either. I could watch her act all day. Samantha Morton and Rhys Ifans as Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert Reston (both conspirators in the Babington Plot) were pretty darn good themselves. It was kind of sad that they only had about ten minutes on screen combined. The movie was visually stunning. Cinematographer Remi Adefarasin and director Shekhar Kapur collaborated to make one spectacular looking film. The immensely wide shots and the angelic lighting were a treat for the eyes. The costumes were also spectacular. Though, I really don’t know how any period piece about royalty can ever have bad costumes. OK. Now that I’ve discussed the best parts, let’s move on to the worst parts. Exactly where in history does it say that Queen Elizabeth acted like a spoiled high school girl? I understand that she probably had whiny moments and outbursts of emotion, but there are a few scenes in this movie where I thought I might be watching some really gimmicky reality show. en-US Critics Rant info@criticsrant.com Subtext Version 1.9.4.0 http://www.criticsrant.com/images/default_gravatar_bullhorn.png http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/15/ELIZABETH-THE-GOLDEN-AGE-Crown-Cate-The-Queen.aspx 77 60 http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/15/ELIZABETH-THE-GOLDEN-AGE-Crown-Cate-The-Queen.aspx#1874 I really enjoyed this movie. Cate Blanchett is a brilliant actress. Catyanna http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/10/15/ELIZABETH-THE-GOLDEN-AGE-Crown-Cate-The-Queen.aspx#1874 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:42:44 GMT