Well Done

Rating: 8/10 (22 October 2005)

Much is commented on due to the movie's historical inaccuracy, and while these comments are correct for the most part, as a work of cinema, the movie is excellent on all counts. The cinematography, sets and costuming are wonderful, and the performances of the leads, especially Cate Blanchett are excellent. There some supporting players that deserve special recognition. Two stand out for me.
English actress Kathy Burke (probably best known to Americans as Patsy's hyper-yuppie magazine editor on Absolutely Fabulous) is terrific as Queen Mary. Burke could have played her as history dictates, dour, stiff and unfeeling. Burke instead portrays her as manic, highly emotional and slightly psychotic, which is probably more accurate. She makes the most of her short time on screen, and if anyone ever decided to make a movie on Bloody Mary, I'd hope they would give Burke first shot at the role.
French actress Fanny Ardant is major fun as Mary of Guise, who ruled Scotland during the minority of her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots. Ardant is a radiant presence (that smile!) and it should be lamented she wasn't on screen in this film more often. She imbued her character with sexiness and playfulness, and she truly lit up the screen in her all too short scenes.