why?
This is the core of my tfl.org application. It's here to summarize why I love this film. It also server as a how-not-to-write-an-application guide. ;)
Elizabeth is the one and only movie fanlisting I've ever wanted to run. :)
Even though the facts in the movie aren't 100% historically accurate it is the best drama movie
I've ever seen. I've lost count on how many times I've watched Elizabeth, but every time I find
something new to focus on or think about. There are so many layers upon layers and different kinds
of themes: it's simply a masterwork! It's not just that the sets are stunning and every actor and
actress is performing perfectly. Every detail is carefully thought of: how someone's eyes flicker
from one person to another or how the neckline of Elizabeth's dresses goes higher and closer as she
distances herself from everyone else.
Power, love, sacrifice, courage, loyalty... are just some of the themes that "Elizabeth" is about. Like the director has said, it's about people, and people are same everywhere, no matter the time or place. I know the movie has been criticized for the historical inaccuracies, but to me it doesn't matter. It's a movie, not a documentary film, after all. What matters is that it has captured the hearts of people like me who have started to learn about the real history after seeing the film. I think this is always a sign of a great work - when people want to read the original novel or learn about the true events behind a film adaptation.
Cate Blanchett is of course phenomenal in this movie. I can't pick my ultimate favourite scene, but the best ones include her rehearsals before speaking to the bishops in front of a mirror (pure genious!) and her intricate facial expressions when dismissing the French Duke's proposal. However, even though Cate completely and rightfully steals the show, other actors and actresses are doing their best too. There is not a single performance that I didn't like about down to the smallest extras in the court. Oh, and did I mention the dresses? They are not just beautiful, they contain whole subplots in themselves by revealing things about those who wear them.
One of the things that makes this movie so important to me are quotes. There are a plenty of inspiring and encouraging and funny and heartbreaking lines the characters use that I remember by heart. And some of them are based on original quotes from history. :) Just ask any of my friends and they'll tell you how bored they are of hearing me quote this movie and/or telling them how much Cate rocks. :D