Sex, private lives and public careers

Rating: Null/10 (25 October 1998)

Since Shakespeare's time, and probably before, the English public have mythologised their past through drama. Shakespeare had no trouble putting bums on seats at the "Globe" with a series of historical dramas about English monarchs. Each was powered by the tension between the private feelings of the sovereign and the historical circumstances they had to deal with, some succeeding surfing the tide of history better than others, but all being portrayed as humans rather than gods.
Shakespeare's formula, brilliant and simple, has been reworked by many others down through the years, and there have been many previous portrayals of Elizabeth R (reigned 1558-1603) on film. This one, for the 1990s, deals with her coming to power and the first 15 years of her reign. It is dark, sexy, a bit confusing, and ultimately gripping. Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth gives a riveting performance as she changes from high spirited young woman deeply in love with a slightly wet but half decent guy (Dudley) to ruthless professional virgin who must stay aloof to stay in power.
The glories of the Elizabethan age were probably more the result of good wool prices that great government by Henry VIII's second daughter but she kept the peace domestically and managed (with the aid of the weather) to avoid foreign invasion. Like her great successor, Margaret Thatcher, she made some grievous errors but survived them all to die, alone, in bed in 1603.
The other actors (I nearly said players) are all pretty good. Some are cast against type; compare Christopher Eccleston's full-on study in sex, power and religious fanatacism as the Duke of Norfolk with his feral accountant in "Shallow Grave." Geoffery Rush as Walshingham is ruthless also, but disguises it with sunny charm. Joseph Fiennes is suitably pretty as Dudley. Even soccer star Eric Cantona (he who thumps disorderly fans) puts in a quite believable performance as the French Ambassador.
Shekhar Kapur's direction is very visual in style and sometimes is at odds with the script, but he has made good use of a largish budget and the whole thing is very satisfying to watch. If the costume people don't get an Oscar, there's no justice in this world. As for Cate, she has to be a starter for best actress. She doesn't put a foot wrong, and after seeing her in this role I can't remember what Glenda Jackson and Bette Davis looked like.