Elizabeth

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush
Director: Shakhar Kapur
Genre: Drama
Year: 1998
Rating: 3 / 5

Very rarely in the history of film have two actors been nominated for playing the same role in different films. The Academy chose to recognize the work of two performers for their efforts as Queen Elizabeth I in two separate 1998 films - Elizabeth and Shakespeare in Love. One actress, Judi Dench, is being recognized for her nine minutes of screen time in Shakespeare in Love. The other, Cate Blanchett, is rewarded for her starring turn as the historical queen in Elizabeth. This dark, mysterious film, while garnering significant critical praise, primarily for Blanchett's performance, is ultimately unfulfilling, in spite of the exceptional displays put on by Blanchett and co-star Geoffrey Rush.

Elizabeth chronicles the rise of the rebellious Protestant, Elizabeth, to the throne of England in the mid-sixteenth century. Outcast half-sister of the reigning queen, Mary, Elizabeth is spared execution at the film's outset. It seems that the Catholic Mary, though uncomfortable with the notion of a Protestant on England's throne, is unable to give the order to have her blood killed. Thus begins the reign of Elizabeth, a free spirit who, though strong-minded, is anything but prepared to rule the Catholic-dominated nation. Only through great personal sacrifice, along with strong wisdom delivered by trusted advisor Sir Francis Walsingham (Rush), will Elizabeth live to see a better England.

The central reason for Elizabeth's ascension to the throne immediately becomes a chief concern for the queen's caretakers: finding a suitable heir. As her half-sister was without child, the unmarried Elizabeth was able to claim the throne. Yet with her new station, suitors begin materializing from France, Spain, and England itself. It seems that England is in a difficult position, with its military might weakening, and many inside the political spectrum feel that a wise marriage could provide a strategically beneficial alliance. Courted by the Duc D'Anjou, nephew of Mary of Guise, as well as the King of Spain, in the person of his liaison Alvaro de la Quadra, Elizabeth is torn between her civic duty and her feelings for Robert Dudley (Joseph Fiennes), her secret lover.

Elizabeth comes as a striking contrast to the year's other period piece, Shakespeare in Love, with a murkier aura and more sinister undertones. Despite the presence of Rush and Fiennes, this film should in no way be confused with its light-hearted cousin. Blanchett is truly remarkable, conversely displaying humilty and confidence, and is a worthy Oscar contender. Rush actually tops his own performance in Shakespeare with his role as Walsingham, an exiled Protestant noble. Fiennes, however, cannot equal his performance, coming across as a young child not fit to share the spotlight with Blanchett and Rush. Two marvelous actors save this film, but not enough to bring it to the level of greatness.

Cast:

Cate Blanchett..........	Queen Elizabeth
Geoffrey Rush..........	Francis Walsingham
Joseph Fiennes..........	Robert Dudley
Richard Attenborough..........	William Cecil
Christopher Eccleston..........	Duke of Norfolk

Certification: Rated R for violence and sexuality.
Running Time: 121 minutes.

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