Sequence # 2, 11/12/1999, page 51
Magazine for Culture and Commerce, Berlin
By Dirk Hennings
Translated by Han

In 1558 no one believed that the Queen of England possessed any special virtues which could enable her to rule an empire. The country is weakened by the battle between the two religious denominations and enemies on all sides are trying to seize the crown.

At this moment, of all times, Elizabeth must defend her reform plans before the council of bishops. It is a memorable entrance. At first shy, timid and unsure, the rhetorically skilled monarch suddenly fights using all her weapons as a woman. One moment she is coquettish and flirting, and the next she confronts the obstinate dignitaries with a patriotic polemic. And lo and behold: No mighty fortress was our God.

Through complex images the Indian director, Kapur, shows how an educated, stubborn woman forms her identity as a ruler. At the start we see depictions of an idyllic country life, and at its centre a young Elizabeth, who revels in the sensual pleasures of life. With her imprisonment through 'Bloody' Mary's vassals, though, the bright interiors are permanently replaced by musty fortress walls. Reason keeps emotions in check and under the direction of the demonic Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush), Elizabeth becomes a cold-blooded ruler. The height of her power is not her enthronement but rather the moment when she presents herself to her subjects as the 'Virgin' Queen. Cate Blanchett plays both the girl - 25 years old, full of joie de vivre, almost gauche - and the puppet-like, self-controlled monarch, who allows her enemies to be slaughtered, with equal virtuosity. The Australian actress is the star of the film and an Oscar would be the deserved reward for her achievement. The historian, Egon Friedell, reports that the more mature Queen Bess was delighted when people called out to her in the street, 'How are you, you old whore?' Apparently, she could curse like a fishwife.