Conduct some internet research into Elizabeth. Include the following:
- Who is Shekhar Kapur? Education, previous and current work. Filmic style.
- Critical success - reviews, awards, box office takings (Britain and overseas)
- Institutions - production companies, funding, distribution (who are they and where are they from?)
- Is it a 'British' film - consider subject matter, cast and crew (especially writer/ director /producer, locations (details)
- The sequel - details including cast, producers, locations. Why would working title green light 'The Golden Age'?
Type up in word - no cut and paste. Cite your sources. One page minimum.
Essay title:
Discuss the representations of Britain and Britishness in Elizabeth (Shekhar Kapur, 1998). Use specific examples from the text to illustrate your points.
Include an introduction, six to eight main paragraphs and a conclusion.
11 comments:
I wasn't too sure about this film initially, as i often find historical films hard to follow, but i did end up really liking this one.
I think one of the best things helping towards its "Britishness" was the beautiful scenery of England being used as the backdrops for the film! I also thought the costumes were fantastic.
Alex F
I agree that Kapur has a huge talent for visual style, in particular depth of field and lighting but I found his use of colour too confusing. Walsingham is shown in Black, dark, dingyness throughout yet he is the protagonist...And Dudley is in white clothes and sunny conditions throughout yet he is the villain...Other than that it was GOOD
I agree Alex, the scenery is incredible. Bamburgh Castle is particularly impressive (the amazing one perched on a rock when Daniel Craig, the assassin from Rome, comes ashore). Some great interiors too - Durham Cathedral is particularly atmospheric. The British tourist authority love these sorts of films - the best kind of advertisement; does wonders for the tourist trade. Sumptuous costumes always go down well overseas too. Costume designer Alexandra Byrne, you'll be pleased to hear, has been working on the sequel.
Paul, don't you think it's nice when things are not that obvious in film? More like real life - messy, with lots of grey areas; not all black and white. Walsingham is certainly painted as a pretty shadowy character throughout. I don't think the audience ever really feels they can trust him. He certanly represents the dark side of political power; Rush is brilliant in the torture scene. Lots of historical innacuracies but it makes for intriguing plot lines. Poor old Daniel Craig; mind you, his torture in Casino Royale was arguably worse...
Well Dudley, infact isn't historically a villain, he never really betrayed the queen and was one of her allies (don't know how u spell that) til he died. They added his part in her assisanation for dramatic effect!!
I think the reason why Walsingham was in black, is because even though he is good for the Queen, the things he does to protect her are dark and dangerous.
I think i shall see the 2nd one when it's out.
Yup, more historical innacuracies than you can shake a stick at. All in the name of creating a rollicking good yarn though. The Golden Age should be no different but I expect it will be just as popular; perhaps even more so with the inclusion of Clive Owen as Sir Walter Raleigh. His profile in the US is pretty high with lead roles in Children of Men, Sin City (sequel in pre-production), Inside Man (Spike Lee's slick crime caper- well worth a look BTW). Looks to be a shrewd casting decision...
Yes Inside Man is very good film!
Yeah I reckon Clive Owen will help to make The Golden Age pretty popular as all his recent films have done well at the box office and dvd - Closer, DeRailed, Children of Men and Inside Man.
I wouldn't have even known some of historical innacuracies unless Michelle had pointed them out... she's a little Tudor boffin!
Is this a fair estimation Michelle? Tudor boffin?!
I understand you have even given Mrs. B some Tudor themed novels to read. I take it you'll be seeing The Golden Age then?
i shall indeed watch the golden age and subject chris to all the historical inaccuracies! you'd think they'd research eh? i loved elizabeth, but i dont think they played up dudley enough, he didnt seem a big enough character! the tower looked really scary too, which in daylight it doesnt usually. the costumes were so awesome! great film! michelle
just doing some research on elizabeth and was wandering if the essay was due in for half term or after we have watched the whole film? someone help me out asap lol!!
Az - don't panic! :)
Elizabeth essay not due till after the full screening. Good on you for getting on with the research though...
Did you watch the Baftas? The working title team of Bevan and Fellner picked up a golden mask, not for the Elizabeth sequel though but for Atonement. Got best film, though I'm not sure it was the best film of the year but good on the academy for giving it to a British film...
Very happy for Shane Meadows who won Best British Film for This Is England though - well deserved for a great film maker.
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