Review of Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) by Rod M — 13 Nov 2009

This is an epic film; and feels about three hours long even though it's under two hours. I enjoyed it, not as much as the original 1998 award winning film but certainly more than I enjoyed staring at the blank screen.

This film seems to lack the freshness of its prequel but the actors do a stirling job of re-creating the intrigue of an Elizabethan court. The cinematography is where this film really comes into its own; the camera work is sumptuous, grandiose and combined with excellent costume and superb lighting has all the elements of an oscar winning film.

Sadly despite the best efforts of Blanchett et al the script is slightly ploddy and if you get distracted for a moment you lose sight of who is plotting what. I feel I should also mention that it has all the historical accuracy of an American war film, with great liberties taken with many character's ages, personalities and history in general.

I suppose this film has never claimed to be a true representation of English history but given the state of the English education system I wouldn't be shocked to find teachers whacking on the DVD and claiming it was all factual.

A stunning performance, in a lavish set, with excellent camera work; really capturing the essence if not the accuracy of the Elizabethan Golden age. A thumbs up for everything but the script.