Beautiful film, historical accuracy questionable

Rating: Null/10 (23 February 1999)

As a student of Tudor-Stuart history, I was most anxious to see this film, and was able to do so in New York at Christmas, since it was not playing locally until recently.
Elizabeth Tudor was one of the most fascinating and pivotal characters in the 16th century. Her life was fraught with danger from the day of her birth until her death in 1603. It needed no embroidery, no fabrication, no Hollywood excesses, but the screenwriters unfortunately seemed to feel that "poetic license" was required to lend interest.
I felt that the treatment of Elizabeth was lacking: here was a woman fluent in six languages, a student of the sciences of the day, mathematics, and extremely well read for a man - amazingly so for a woman. Yet she was portrayed as vacillating, unsure, and somewhat flighty, rather than the strong opinionated woman she in fact was. Being in the shadow of the axe for the majority of her life had taught her to trust no one, and to rely on her own counsel.
The love scenes with Robert Dudley were almost blasphemous. Dudley was already married, the son and grandson of beheaded traitors, and NOT a candidate for the "royal hand".
I objected to the portrayal of Cecil as rather insignificant. His guidance was essential to Elizabeth, both before and during her reign. To religate this character to a "minor" role is a grave injustice.
The suggestion of any English participation in the death of Mary of Guise is bizarre.
Notwithstanding my concerns for the historical inaccuracies or liberties taken, I thoroughly enjoyed the visual spectacle of this movie. The film was beautifully costumed and the cinematography was outstanding. The dark tenor of the film was expressive of the period, and the depiction of the various palaces and royal houses was credible. The acting was excellent, notwithstanding the weak character development by the screenwriters, and praises go to all the actors.
I only wish that the writing staff had chosen to portray Elizabeth in a truer way, without embellishment and imaginary assassination attempts.