the best picture of 98 10/10

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2002)

Elizabeth is a perversely dark film that is impossible to ignore -- or forget. The film, clearly the best picture of 1998, is a unique epic of its kind. It's not overlong, nor is it presumptuous. The film has a wonderfully dark atmosphere that is rarely seen in this kind of picture. Although the film is dark, you never get the idea that it is trying too hard -- like a Tim Burton film would.
Cate Blanchett is unforgettable as Elizabeth, but the real treat of the film is the marvelous Geoffrey Rush -- as her evil man servant who will do anything to protect her.
A truly great film -- one of my all time favorites.