Elizabeth (1998)

The early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England and her difficult task of learning what is necessary to be a monarch.

Director:

Shekhar Kapur

Writer:

Michael Hirst

Stars:

Cate Blanchett, Liz Giles, Rod Culbertson

Won 1 Oscar. Another 33 wins & 55 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Liz Giles	...	Female Martyr
Rod Culbertson	...	Master Ridley
Paul Fox	...	Male Martyr
Terence Rigby	...	Bishop Gardiner
Christopher Eccleston	...	Duke of Norfolk
Peter Stockbridge	...	Palace Chamberlain
Amanda Ryan	...	Lettice Howard
Kathy Burke	...	Queen Mary Tudor
Valerie Gale	...	Mary's Dwarf
George Antoni	...	King Philip II of Spain (as George Yiasoumi)
James Frain	...	Alvaro de la Quadra
Jamie Foreman	...	Earl of Sussex
Edward Hardwicke	...	Earl of Arundel
Cate Blanchett	...	Elizabeth I
Emily Mortimer	...	Kat Ashley

Storyline

This film details the ascension to the throne and the early reign of Queen Elizabeth the First, as played by Cate Blanchett. The main focus is the endless attempts by her council to marry her off, the Catholic hatred of her and her romance with Lord Robert Dudley.

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Plot Keywords:

queen elizabeth i | english queen | kingdom of england | throne | catholic | 

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Taglines:

Absolute power demands absolute loyalty.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and sexuality

Did You Know?

Trivia

One of the reasons why Vincent Cassel signed on for this movie was because he relished the opportunity of shooting a scene in drag.

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Goofs

The movie shows Kat Ashley as being about the same age as Elizabeth when in actuality she was much older than Elizabeth was.

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Quotes

The Pope: Is it not truly written that the righteous shall inherit the Earth?

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Connections

Spoofed in The Starter Wife: The Forty-Year-Old Virgin Queen (2008)

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Soundtracks

Rondeas I and VII
from "Dansereyr" 1551
Composed by Tylman Susato
Performed by New London Consort
Conducted by Philip Pickett

User Reviews

Period drama for those who don't like period dramas

A biopic of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth's rise to power in England showing the corruption in her court with assassinations, unsuitable suitors, political marriages and treachery.

This is very much a historical costume drama for those that dislike the dry, lifeless drama of other period dramas such as Merchant & Ivory etc. This is a wonderfully vibrant piece, full of gaudy colours, comical and treacherous performances. Director Kapur brings the air of corruption and betrayal to life in a story that is rich in detail and story. The story is full of action and wonderful characters and holds the interest from beginning to end. Kapur gives plenty of modern touches to the drama from comical touches of Elizabeth rehearsing her speech in very quickly edited sequences to filming her through a red-veil shortly after a murder that was authorised by her. It is good to watch a period drama that is so very vibrant and colourful.

Cate Blanchett is great as Elisabeth but the supporting cast are roundly fantastic - Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Eccleston the list of quality actors goes on goes on. This is also completed by UK TV actors such as Cathy Burke and Angus Deayton. Ex-Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona also shows that he made a good career choice by putting in a good performance in a small role as a member of the French court.

Overall a great film that brings the period to life - warts and all.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English French

Release Date:

19 February 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Elizabeth: The Virgin Queen

Filming Locations:

Warkworth Castle, Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Morpeth, Northumberland, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$30,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$275,131, 8 November 1998

Gross USA:

$30,082,699

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$82,150,642

Company Credits

Production Co:

PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Working Title Films, Channel Four Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

124 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1