World of Symbols

Rating: 9/10 (5 November 1998)

Many words are said to particular historical inaccuracies.
Well, I think Elizabeth never took boat trips like those in the film - But hey, that's not the point. It's not a documentation, it's an emotional picture with lots of ideas and allusions. Hmmm ... has anybody seen one or two of the large amount of symbols in this film? Not at all? Then let me explain, what I have seen. The film starts in the very first beginning with a view from above. And who is linked with such a view from above? Right. So at this very special moment you can see through His eyes on the scene. But not with pleasure, I suppose. So, the sky is almost coloured dark in the first 15 minutes. The nights seems to be longer then usual as well as the shadows. This symbolism is used throughout the film. At any time when the evil reigns - there rule darkness and thunder as well and the omnipotent rain maker sends conditions of meteorological exceptions to the island. On the other side white fade outs are used to emphasize Elizabeths greatest moments. I don't know why, but obviously Shekhar Kapur (director) gave the Queen (always?) a strong ally to her side.
Everything in the film seems a bit too large. The cathedral of Durham, the flower decorated suit of Elizabeth (which she took off as Queen, symbolically for her separation from the nature) and at the end her virginity.
Just look twice. In my humble opinion, this film is worth 9 out of 10 points.