Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

March 8, 2019 8:43 AM

Mary Stuart's attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I, Queen of England, finds her condemned to years of imprisonment before facing execution.
posted by ellieBOA (2 comments total)

I liked it, wish there had been more scenes with Elizabeth but the actress and makeup artists created what seemed to be an extreme human muppet scare persona, probably more accurate than most representations but jaring with the more humanist portrayal of Mary. Much was shot in historic buildings with a natural lighting feel which makes it really beautiful, but probably not much more accurate than on a sound stage. Also after reading a bit an accurate representation would seem very odd to a modern audience, the main characters would never have a scene alone with each other, 'alone' at that time for royals probably meant only 3-5 servants each hovering, an intimate scene portrayed with historic accuracy would seem crowded and claustrophobic to a modern eye. Also some costumes were incredibly detailed, after a bit of googling the costume designers got to maybe 30% of the ostentatiousness of the queen's actual wardrobe.
posted by sammyo at 8:27 AM on March 9, 2019

I like both lead actresses, but I was disappointed at the end of this one. This is a story I have seen and read many times, mostly in sympathy with Mary over Elizabeth. I am glad they met in this version as the tension is not as good when it is communicated through a series of messengers.

I felt all of the male actors were flat cardboard and they suffered in comparison to Nicholas Hoult in The Favourite. The only exception was perhaps Mary's brother James. The actor James McArdle seems very familiar, though I have not seen anything else he was in except The Force Awakens.

Costumes: I love Mary's five earring look.
posted by soelo at 8:49 AM on March 14, 2019