Elizabeth: Hardly Golden

Rating: 7/10 (12 November 2007)

First of all, let me say that I, like many others, walked into this thinking there was no way that it could be anything but brilliant. I gave an enormous cheer when I heard a sequel was planned; fantastic cast, fascinating director, good storyline, and a sure hit. I knew that it wouldn't be historically accurate as the first wasn't, but I see this as a FILM not a documentary, and do not worry too much about that.
However I, like countless others, ended up slightly disappointed.
If you could separate various aspects of the film, individually they would succeed. The score is almost deserving of a modern classic concert; it is sumptuous when on its own, but it tended to be incredibly over dramatic at many of the wrong moments, and drowned out some potentially fantastic speeches (eg when Elizabeth screams at the retreating Spanish Embassy). It also ruined several moments (such as Elizabeth's silent walk on the hill, looking out over the Armada) which were beautiful enough without it.
The writing wasn't brilliant; it covered too little in too long a time. Granted, they would have spoken in the way they did in the film, but there were many unnecessary moments that weren't entirely relevant to the plot. The result was simply too long.
On the other hand, some of the casting and acting was brilliant. Cate Blanchett, of course, excelled once again as Elizabeth. In all rights she deserves an Academy Award Nomination at the very least. Abbie Cornish, Clive Owen and Geoffrey Rush were also very good; Samantha Morton was fantastic, even though her part was underwritten. My only casting misgiving was Jordi Molla as Philip of Spain. It was clear from his very walk and manner that he is an actor best suited to comedy (see Bad Boys II), and I think he totally ruined the part. His scenes became slightly tedious as a result, and this broke into the backbone of the plot. A more serious and refined Spanish actor would have been better IMO; Molla is good in other things.
The cinematography was good, and interesting. I loved the water scenes, and was amused by the horse in the water sequences; the final scene was visually fascinating, as the camera wheeled round the glorified Elizabeth, but I HATED the moment when she looked into the camera; that broke the reality barrier in the last few seconds in the film, and made me feel... for want of a better word: miffed.
Anyway, whilst a little disappointed, it was quite interesting. I shall buy the DVD and watch it again, and see if my mind has changed!