Interpretative Essay Comparing Three Films that Communicate the Character of Monarchy in Early Modern Europe

Interpretative Essay Comparing Three Films that Communicate the Character of Monarchy in Early Modern Europe

Introduction

In the 16th and 17th centuries, various European monarchs claimed absolute powers within their states. Monarchs claimed a divine right to rule with their subjects having no claim to limit their powers. A number of films are made on this topic all over the world. However, these monarchs are very well displayed in three magnificent historical movies including Elizabeth (a British movie directed by Shekhar Kapur and released in 1998), The Rise to Power of Louis XIV (a French movie directed by Robert Rossellini and released in 1966) and Ivan the Terrible, Part One (a Russian movie directed by Sergei Eisenstein and released in 1944). All three films demonstrate different kinds of monarchs and their reigns in an extremely enthralling manner. Thus, in this paper we will compare these three movies that that communicate the character of monarchy in early modern Europe.

Discussion

Elizabeth (Director Shekhar Kapur, Britain, 1998)

Elizabeth is a 1998 released British movie, directed by Shekhar Kapur. This remarkable chronological drama looks at the disturbing circumstances surround the rise to Elizabeth I's throne in 1558. The story follows her fight back to establish authority and respect in England throughout an era of intense economic, political, and religious turmoil. Director Shekhar Kapur from India makes the most of the enthralling screenplay by Michael Hirst, which is an insightful study of raw supremacy and power.

The longest serving monarch in England, Elizabeth I surely is a character valuable of the screen conduct. And Shekhar Kapur in the year 1998 brought Elizabeth to the cinema screen in the film, creatively titled as “Elizabeth”. For many, the title invokes an image of a royal, majestic figure. Though, Elizabeth portrays the oft-idolized monarch in a relatively different way. Cate Blanchett plays the character of the renowned "Virgin Queen," next to Geoffrey Rush who appears as Sir Francis Walsingham, Joseph Fiennes plays Robert Dudley and Christopher Eccleston appears as the Duke of Norfolk.

Elizabeth was left with the many troubles of the English crown: the imperial reserves were worn-out, danger was looming on the foreign frontage, and she was continuously being proposed and suggested by suitors who were eager to redeem on the power presented to her. Learning the appropriate manners and carriage of a great queen was seriously a progression of error and trial for Queen Elizabeth. She exhibited her affiliation with the Earl of Leicester, her lover and resided in the open, in accordance with her.

Her biggest threat was merely all the sedition and disloyalty within her own surroundings, and the consequential challenges on her life. The Duke of Norfolk also tried to have her killed for which he was executed. The ruler of Scotland, Mary of Guise (who was later assassinated by Francis Walsingham, one of Elizabeth's faithful advisors) joined with France to attack the forces of England. Ending as a grand victory for the queen, the ...