Review: "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"

Oh my god. I have been waiting for this movie, for what seems like many morrows!

Those who know me, know that I have the most curious fascination with becoming fixated on historical figures. The qualifications to become a object of my most intimate praise: these figures must all inspire me with their courage, aptitude for knowledge and their ability to be 'ahead of their time'. There is one figure, that I have always remained transfixed on. Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533-1603).


"Elizabeth: The Golden Age," is a sequel to 1998's, "Elizabeth." Both films are directed by my brown brotha, Shekar Kapur. Though the costume (fainted!), acting and settings remain regal in the sequal. Unfortunately, the work falls short of dazzling its predecessor because it lacks enough attention to character development. Moreover, the film neglects to focus on what the historical significance is, of the relentless woman in her Golden Age.

The name of the film, is itself misleading. The movie does not focus on her Golden Age. In fact, the movie shows the continual friction between France and Spain, to secure the bed of the Queen. It is only upon the defeat of these two foreign navies, that the reign of Elizabeth transitioned into her Golden Age. A time of peace and prosperity in England, for Catholics and Protestants alike.

There is no actual development of what was considered the monuments and achievements of Elizabeth's Golden Age. This was necessary. In fact, the movie ends very abruptly and fails to glaze even the surface of illuminating her reign, in what is considered her most glorious years. Though the writing defiantly had moments of historical grandeur (especially in Elizabeth's lines--perhaps to be credited to the life Blanchette breaths into the words). For the most part, the writing remained dull, compared to the first film.


However, one thing remains worthy of a royal salute; Cate Blanchette's impeccable performance. This woman is the finest actress of our generation. As she was robbed in her first rendition as Elizabeth, by Gwenyth Platrow's portrayal in "Shakespeake in Love." This time, despite the films often messy script, she is fully deserving of an Oscar nod.

The movie is by no means horrible. But it could have been much better. However, for a historical nerd like me, seeing this heroine come to life with such vivrancy, made me feel a little warm on the inside.

So cheers to a night in the VIP at Varsity, a fellow nerd to watch the film with and Miss Blanchette, as my Elizabeth! (BTW...she is NO MAN's Elizabeth...that is what SHE said!)

I heart you Lizzie.