Queen Elizabeth I and the Scottish on Film

Elizabeth I was one of the most powerful and influential queens in the history of the British monarchy, so it is no surprise she has come to have a powerful impact on cinema. The past 20 years in particular have seen an uptick in the number of representations of this formidable monarch. The following films not only showcase some of the finest talent in Hollywood, but also highlight the often-fraught relationship between Queen Elizabeth and her Scottish neighbors to the north.

"Elizabeth"

This film, which starred the inimitable Cate Blanchett, largely tells the story of Elizabeth's rise to power and her fight to keep the throne against an increasingly hostile Catholic Church. Although it takes some considerable liberties with historical accuracy (her best friend and suspected lover Robert Dudley never conspired against her), it does nevertheless manage to capture the spirit of the age.

In addition, it also highlights the relationship between Elizabeth and her Scottish rival, Marie of Guise. In fact, the film even goes so far to suggest that Elizabeth was at least partially responsible for the poisoning of that queen, sending the message that Elizabeth was quite willing and able to order the death of anyone who posed a threat to her own reign.

"Elizabeth: The Golden Age"

Due to the success of the first film, director Shekhar Kapur decided to direct another film which tells the story of some of the later years of Elizabeth's life, including and especially the defeat of the Spanish Armada and the execution of Mary, queen of Scots, the daughter of the Marie of the former film.

Blanchett again helps carry the film past its quite glaring omissions and inaccuracies, the film delving deeply into the personal anguish over her execution of her cousin and rival. Thus, although we identify largely with Elizabeth, the death scene of Mary, when the first blow does not quickly end her life, causes us to feel uncomfortably aware of the Scottish queen's plight and Elizabeth's complicity in her death.

"Elizabeth I"

Finally we come to this film, which was made for and broadcast on HBO. Helen Mirren, one of the most formidable figures in British acting, inhabits the mind and body of the queen as she begins to feel the toll of her advancing age. We cannot help but feel for the once-indomitable Elizabeth as she watches helplessly as her most faithful and beloved friends and advisers inevitably succumb to death.

What is most striking, however, is the fact that the film creates a meeting between Elizabeth and her rival Mary, an event that never occurred in real life (they never actually met face-to-face). This scene allows us to see the intense personal relationship between these two, both of whom were women ruling in a man's world. At the same time, it also shows us the futility of our pity for Mary, for we know that she will still meet her death at Elizabeth's hands.

If you are in the mood for rousing historical drama, you cannot do better than to watch one of the great films depicting the life and times of the powerful, vain, and extremely influential Queen Elizabeth I.

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