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Nine years ago, the world was introduced to Cate Blanchett in
her revelatory performance in "Elizabeth." It wasn't actually
her debut performance, but it was a part that earned her
worldwide acclaim - and an Academy Award nomination. Many
people, myself included, feel that she should have won the Oscar
that year (it went to Gwyneth Paltrow - the usual tradition of
Hollywood honoring their own over a great performance - in this
case, a Hollywood family). Cate would have to wait until "The
Aviator" to win her Oscar. In the years since, "Elizabeth" she
has become one of the premiere actresses in the world. Yet,
it's always been this part that has helped to define her as an
actress.
It
will come as no surprise that she once again surpasses all
expectations in the sequel...or continuation if you
will..."Elizabeth: The Golden Age." Strangely, most film
critics are giving this film a pass - too hammy, too over the
top, too preposterous they say. Well, Elizabeth would have
said - off with their heads. The film is by no means a classic
- like the original - but it's a damned good time at the
movies. Is Cate Blanchett over the top in the lead role?
Without a doubt she is. But at this point in Elizabeth's life,
she had been Queen for thirty years. She was a larger than life
figure...and Cate plays her to the hilt. This is no
"Masterpiece Theater" production...oh no, Cate chews into this
role with desire and determination.
In
truth, Cate isn't quite old enough to play this part yet...but
would we have waited another twenty years for this? One would
hope not. Here we have an actress at the top of her game.
Geoffrey Rush returns to the sequel as well as Sir Francis. He
was a delight in the first film - working the back rooms and
trading blood for information. He's the Queen's most trusted
adviser and he's able to set in motion events that will lead to
her biggest test.
Clive Owen enters the film as a swashbuckling Sir Walter
Raleigh. Immediately, he attracts the interest of his
Queen...as well as another in her court. The film plays loose
with history here...Sir Walter leads the English fleet against
the Spanish Armada. Critics harp on the details, but it plays
well - as big, broad, exciting history - just not exactly
truthful. But the story works. The scenes with Owen and
Blanchett could be seen as a master class in acting. Her heart
aches for him...for something that can never be.
This film never quite scales the heights of "Elizabeth," but
it's great fun to watch Cate, Clive and Geoffrey in their
fantastic turns. Movies are rarely this big or this fun. The
movie is also an appropriate length...the director seems to have
cut this film down to the bone (which is fantastic considering
the endless films we're often subjected to at this time of
year). Do yourself a favor - rent "Elizabeth" and watch it.
Then ignore the snotty film critics who have turned their noses
up at this film (the same ones who recommended that snoozefest
"The English Patient"). If you're looking for something a
little different with Cate, then check out her Oscar nominated
turn in "Notes on a Scandal" (it's Judi Dench's movie, but Cate
does outstanding work). Long live Cate!
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