Elizabethan Film Research

I have done some research on Elizabethan films and I came across so many, however the three which caught my eye the most are Elizabeth (1998), Elizabeth I (2005) and The Virgin Queen (1955) which are the three films I have researched and have written about below.

Elizabeth (1998)

This film was made in 1998 and it is based on Elizabeth becoming the new queen after queen Mary died. Elizabeth is the protestant half-sister of Mary and although Queen Mary died she would never let a protestant rule England. When Elizabeth becomes queen she finds herself surrounded by advisor's, some of which are kind and helpful but others are plotting to reinstate the catholic line. The new queen is under a lot of pressure as her councils main focus is to marry her off, however they will not approve of Lord Robert Dudley who is Queen Elizabeth's romance. Therefore it has left Queen Elizabeth with a few things to think about although her main focus being who rules England.
This film was written by Michael Hirst, directed by Shekhar Kapur and starring Cate Blanchett who plays Queen Elizabeth I. The hair and make-up designer was Jenny Shircore and the costume designer was Alexandra Byrne.
Cate Blanchett won many awards for her representation of Elizabeth, remarkably a BAFTA and a Golden Globe in 1998. Also the film was named the 1998 BAFTA best British film. Elizabeth was nominated in 7 categories in the 71st academy awards, which included best picture, best actress and she received a prize for the best make-up.

Source information: www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/plotsummary            

Elizabeth I (2005)

This is a two-part British historical drama television miniseries and is directed by Tom Hooper, written by Nigel Williams and stars Helen Mirren who plays Elizabeth I.

Part 1 - In 1579 Elizabeth has reigned for 20 years and refused to marry, her chief and her spy-master try to marry her off to the Duke of Anjou (the brother to the king of France) in order to make alliance against Spain and cause a division through the catholic world. 

The Earl of Leicester who she once had a romance with strongly disagrees of the marriage due to his own love which he still holds for her. Eventually Elizabeth became very fond of the Duke of Anjou but despite this she is influenced by Burghley not to marry him as it will have a big affect on popular opinion towards the match.

The Duke suffers from a sudden death which then forms the Franco-Spanish alliance which they were dreading! England is safe after the Spanish armada is defeated although the queen is suffering from a huge loss.

Part 2 - In 1589 Elizabeth has found a new romance of Essex and he takes part in an English military expedition to Lisbon which Elizabeth is very angry about as he went against her wishes, however she does chose to forgive him. Elizabeth then grants Essex 10 percent of tax on sweet wines and a seat on the pivy council and Robert Cecil (Burghley's son) is also a member. Therefore this causes rivalry with Essex and Cecil. Elizabeth starts to suspect Essex of secretly communicating with James VI of Scotland because Essex's behaviour starts to become very unusual and he is showing no loyalty or commitment towards Elizabeth. Elizabeth then finds herself becoming very close to Cecil.

After Burghley died, Elizabeth sent Essex to Ireland to place down a rebellion, however he goes against this and makes a truce and goes back to England by himself. Elizabeth then put Essex under house arrest and him and his followers are captured. Essex was found guilty and then he was beheaded. A few weeks later Elizabeth feels extremely lethargic as she has gone weeks without eating. She makes her way to bed and asks for a priest as she is wanting to die.

The make-up and hairstylists for the film were Laura Kreivyte, Josh Weston, Fae Hammond, Sue Westwood, Jan Hope-Kavanagh and Gemma Richards. The costume designer was Mike O'Neill.

Source Information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1265373/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465326/fullcredits/