The technical aspects of this film really make the film enjoyable. The cinematography especially is a crisp, soulful take on the chamber drama and a lot of time you get lost in the visuals. Likewise, the art direction-costumes are all top notch and in any case make for a splendid atmosphere. The direction brigs a lot of the script by being moody and really inventive in a few places. The scene where Elizabeth and Mary finally meet is great bit of staging.
Unfortunately, the script is the weak point in the film. It tries too hard to fit the history into a palace intrigue plot. Of note I think the film ahistorically treats same sex relationships as a fixed "nature." (This is the modern understanding of gay and queer folks) This is done in order to make Mary more sympathetic to the modern viewer given her understanding of her husband and her secretary. The film deals bluntly with matters of sexuality and it was wonderful to see a period film not straightwash the material. The script's treatment of Elizabeth and Mary has friends turned rivals works dramatically but it is absurd historically. There script also has some hilariously awful lines.
I am glad I saw this.
Unfortunately, the script is the weak point in the film. It tries too hard to fit the history into a palace intrigue plot. Of note I think the film ahistorically treats same sex relationships as a fixed "nature." (This is the modern understanding of gay and queer folks) This is done in order to make Mary more sympathetic to the modern viewer given her understanding of her husband and her secretary. The film deals bluntly with matters of sexuality and it was wonderful to see a period film not straightwash the material. The script's treatment of Elizabeth and Mary has friends turned rivals works dramatically but it is absurd historically. There script also has some hilariously awful lines.
I am glad I saw this.