I've been to see the historical film Mary, Queen of Scots, and I must say that it's historically more accurate than Mel Gibson's Braveheart.
I knew a bit about the the period of history the film covers as I saw programme by Neil Oliver telling the role the Scottish clans played. History generally remembers the deeds of great man and kings, but Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth of England were women who lived the times of kings and when men could over-rule their councils, and when religion (Catholic and Protestant) were fierce rivals and who the queens should marry and who would become their heirs. I think that it's sad that the nobles against Mary were able to twist her supporters to end up supporting them, or kill off her other supporters. Another point that connects to this day, is the issue of gender and religion; the Catholics and Protestants may be more peaceful now, but the issue hasn't gone away, and we are starting to see more women taking up the role of men.
I had never seen Saoirse Ronan on film before, only clips or trailers of her previous works, and I was impressed that she was able to portray one of Scotland's rulers who tried to prove her worth. The same for Margot Robbie, who has been nominated for an BAFTA Award for supporting actress for her role. I don't know who else has been nominated, but she would have my support at least.
David Tennant's John Knox was very good, because unless you heard his voice, and recognise the look he used to give when he played the Tenth Doctor in his time on Doctor Who, you wouldn't know it was him.
One piece of history that was unmentioned was that the English nobleman who helped Mary's son, James VI, become king of England was the son of the nobleman who convinced Elizabeth to execute Mary. What a twist of fate? How history could change the fate of nations, and the world, so quickly.
I hope that you will come, see and enjoy at Eden Court
No comments:
Post a Comment