Ah, how the mighty have fallen. . . .
Shekhar Kapur’s latest directorial endeavor, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, had all the makings of a masterpiece; excellent cast, remarkable pre-quel (the original Elizabeth), and a rich historical framework that provided a real backstory. However, despite high expectations as I entered the theater, I left with a feeling that I had had been let down.
I had expected an exhultant revisitation from the soul of the original movie, instead I got Elizabeth: The Made-in-Cooperation With-the-BBC and Masterpiece Theater edition. . . .
The movie begins well. Elizabeth has moved on from her triumphant coronation and continued to consolidate her power. She is still assisted by her trusty advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham (played with fatigued distraction by the ordinarily gifted Geoffrey Rush). Newly within Elizabeth’s extended family is the charming (later “Sir”) Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen, in one of the film’s only interesting characterizations).
However, the newly protestant nation is still at risk from the Catholic hordes marshalled by the Spanish Inquisition and King Phillip II of Spain (played with rickettish fervor by Jordi Molla). She is also attacked from within by the intrigues of Mary Stuart (Samantha Morton) from her prison cell.
King Phillip II decides to send the Spanish Armada against England after Mary Stuart is executed for treason by Elizabeth (the political intrigue behind this is historically fascinating, although portrayed in a somewhat rushed fashion during this film). However, God has different plans for the Armada (or so King Phillip comes to believe).
I won’t give away all of the film’s twists or turns here.
My main criticism of the film is that it pales in comparison with its predecessor. Where Elizabeth was bold, interesting and powerful; Elizabeth: The Golden Age seems tired, slow and less interesting than reading a history book about the same events.
For example, although Owen strives to make Raleigh an interesting character (which, in historical fact, he truly was), much of the fascination is lost on the audience. Likewise, the gifted and powerful actress Cate Blanchett, reprising her role as Elizabeth, comes across as impotent, confused and emotionally infantile.
A final criticism is the special effects used during the sea battle between the English navy and the Spanish Armada at the climax of the film. Perhaps I am becoming a digital effects bigot, but the naval warfare in this film seemed very two-dimensional at best, and totally unconvincing at worst.
This is not a terrible movie. It is not even a somewhat bad movie. It is simply a mediocre movie following too closely in the deep, talented footsteps of its predecessor—like the nightclub-singing daughter of a celebrated jazz star. It tries, but simply does not have the gifts of its progenitor.
I give it ** 1/2 Jessicas out of four.
EK
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