 |
| Olivia Colman as Queen Anne |
Yesterday lunchtime, Shirley and I travelled by bus into the city centre. We were heading for "The Showroom" cinema to see the film of the moment - "The Favourite". It stars Olivia Colman as Queen Anne who was the queen of Great Britain and Ireland in the early eighteenth century. There are two other powerful female parts in the film - Baroness Abigail Masham played by Emma Stone and Sarah Churchill - The Duchess of Marlborough - played by Rachel Weisz.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, "The Favourite" provides a memorable and often uncomfortable cinematic experience. It is about intrigue, influence, deception, rabbits and gout. In the background there's an unseen and expensive war with France going on but the action of the film occurs almost exclusively within the walls of Kensington Palace.
Queen Anne, played quite brilliantly by Olivia Colman is a sad and unpredictable character, tortured by gout and other ailments. She is used and abused by Abigail and Sarah who are both self-seeking and rather cruel. They twist the queen round their little fingers and tactically they even share her bed.
"The Favourite" is a gripping watch. It certainly held my attention throughout but ultimately the human spirit does not triumph and there's not a single character you can identify with or really root for. They are all despicable. Consequently, I left The Showroom with a slight sense of despair. I was not uplifted or happily entertained. It was almost as disturbing as an attack of gout and I speak from past experience.
But some of these people were incredible losers. They should be known for their weakness.
ReplyDeleteThe writers and director simply wished to portray them that way. It was an interpretation - not true history.
Delete"tactically" - perchance a typo? If not, what do you mean?
ReplyDeleteGout certainly is an unpleasant experience - my late father had a couple of bouts, then took medicine for the rest of his life.
I agree with you that a film with no redeeming features is not the best way to spend time and money, even though, as Red pointed out, the people often WERE that way, so can't really be portrayed any other way.
As I said to Red it was just a portrait. Back in 1720 I am absolutely certain that some of of the key characters would have possessed redeeming human qualities. As for "tactically", both of Queen Anne's companions shared her bed in a deliberate and cynical manner to consolidate their influence. The word was certainly not used in error.
DeleteAh, I understand now. Horrors that I would accuse you of an error!
DeleteI have not seen "The Favourite" but I have read quite a few reviews of it. The main underlying thought I have taken away from many of those reviews is that this is not necessarily a historically accurate film and that it is something of a satire or comedy. After reading your review I must say it sounds like quite a sad film. Although I do like many historical films this one does not sound like one I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
ReplyDeleteThere were certainly moments that induced laughter.
DeleteIt sounds like a film that asks a lot of its actors. Playing such despicable characters can not be easy. I have seen all three ladies in various other works. Every time I see Rachel Weisz, I think of my niece Emily. She is now 19 and looks very much like the actress did in The Mummy.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen "The Mummy". Is it about Rachel Weisz's mother?
DeleteWell. I'll be sure to avoid that one.
ReplyDeleteMy wife really did not like this film though she admitted that it always held her attention. "Enjoyable" is not a word you could easily apply to it.
DeleteThis is on my list, but I must say I am not a huge fan of movies where there are no redeeming characters. I seem to remember from history classes that Queen Anne was an unpleasant character.
ReplyDeleteNot as unpleasant as America's current monarch - King Donald the Terrible.
DeleteI will eventually get to watch this movie. I don't go to theatres to watch movies these days...preferring to watch them here within my four walls....personal likes and dislikes, choices etc.
ReplyDeleteIt's received excellent reviews.