Blanchett's Royal Tour De Force

Rating: Null/10 (27 January 2009)

With 'Elizabeth: The Golden Ages' Shekhar Kapur returns to continuing the story of one of the most fascinating and enigmatic queens in history. His 1998 movie 'Elizabeth' gave us a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth I's introduction to the throne. This time he explores a different side of her, that of a respected accomplished queen who possibly desires love and a future with a family while at the same time she has to battle Spain to rescue England
It is good to see Kapur back to the director's seat after a long time. However, this time his direction is inconsistent. His take on the film is very partial (Philip being portrayed as completely evil and stupid). The film starts off as a period drama but the end sequences take a very opera-like form. One should not rely on it for historical accuracy. Parts of the movie look rushed, especially the love triangle of Owen, Blanchett and Cornish. I wonder why Kapur chose to give this film a different colour tone (green-tinted). This was not the case in the first movie which used a rather preferable sepia tone. The score, though beautiful and mesmerizing, is overused in plenty of sequences. The visuals are dazzling and the cinematography is remarkable and the makeup and costumes are excellent.
Cate Blanchett is back in the title role. Needless to say that she breathes fire into the role that, as was also evident in the first movie, is meant for her to play. Geoffrey Rush too reprises his role and does no less of a brilliant job with the little that he was given. Samantha Morton is first rate. Rhys Ifans springs a surprise. Abbie Cornish is very good. Clive Owen is clearly overshadowed by his castmates but he works the charm well.
'Elizabeth: The Golden Ages' could have been a more effective film had its presentation been more consistent. Although it does not meet the standards of the first film, it is a strong movie that is intriguing to watch and visually pleasing.