We.ve all seen biopics about global world leaders throughout the years, especially since there are surely enough political figureheads that are interesting enough to see, but what about a film that basically centers on two figureheads? Well, when viewing "Mary Queen of Scots" you'll feel you're getting two films for the price of one.
This film explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). Each young queen beholds her "sister" in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage, versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth's sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies with each court imperil both thrones--and change the course of history.
Others to round out the cast are Jack Lowden as Henry Darnley, Mary's husband, David Tennant as John Knox, Guy Pearce as William Cecil, Joe Alwyn as Robert Dudley, Gemma Chan as Bess of Hardwick, Martin Compston as Lord Rothwell, Ismael Cruz Cordova as David Rizzio, Brendan Coyle as Earl of Lennox, James McArdle as James, Earl of Moray, Ian Hart as Lord Mailand and Adrian Lester as Lord Randolph.
This was surprisingly well directed by virtual newcomer Josie Rourke. Usually producers commission a veteran director to helm most biopics of world leaders considering the complexities of character and historical content, but this filmmaker was actually able to pull this off. Possibly this director knew some of the individuals involved in this production to have the privilege to helm this lavish production, but whatever the case, this filmmaker was able to extract the right amount of emotion from these actors to pull this off. Rourke will definitely receive more work. It was written by Beau Willimon ("The Ides of March" '11) plus TV, based on the book, "Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart" by John Guy. The main problem with this was that it took some time to gain any momentum. It started out interesting and quickly got lost in slowness. But once the rivalry between the two queens ensued, the momentum ignited and it, all of a sudden, captured one's interest. Written in the same vein as "The Last King of Scotland" '06, "Invictus" '09 and "Hyde Park on the Hudson" '12, this delineates the origins of their importance of their reign or leadership. Again, Willimon doesn't have a plethora of experience--one feature film and a fair amount of TV, but given more projects, this writer will excel. The main reson for seeing this would that of the two lead actors--Ronan and especially Robbie. Both excelled in their respective roles, but Robbie really shined as Elizabeth I. She could easily be recognized come Oscar time with a nomination.
As aforementioned, the acting in this including the ensemble cast is why you'll want to see this film. It shows us how colorful people were back in the 1580's and what they truly had to endure, whether they be common folk or royalty. The production values shined specifically the makeup and hair design by the incomparable Jenny Shircore, the costumes and photography.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: R 123mins.
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