Notebook Reviews: ELIZABETH

Shekhar Kapur – 1998.

Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth is a handsomely produced historical film. The cast is top tier with Cate Blanchett in the title role and Geoffrey Rush, Christopher Eccleston, Joseph Fiennes, John Gielgud, and Richard Attenborough in supporting parts. There’s plenty of political intrigue and shenanigans in this critically acclaimed costume drama. 

A slow paced effort, Elizabeth feels much longer than its 2 hour running time but this relaxed pace does help to show the passage of time. It’s no classic, but this highbrow drama is far from a failure.