*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Prior to its release, Mary Queen Of Scots was expected to be a major contender at this years Academy Awards, unfortunately, after a mixed reception from critics, it was overlooked but still received two nominations for Best Makeup & Hairstyling and Best Costume. I was very surprised by the critical reception as I thought that, judging from its trailers, Mary Queen Of Scots looked quite good and better than your average historical dramas. I mainly wanted to watch the film as it featured Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie as they're both talented actors and I thought that they were interesting choices to portray Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I.
Mary Queen Of Scots explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (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 (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 within each court imperil both thrones - and change the course of history.
While I can understand why a lot of people were disappointed, I still enjoyed Mary Queen Of Scots. Most feature films based on historical events can feel like a history lesson and are boring, however, I didn't think that this was the case for Mary Queen Of Scots. I think that the main reason why people were disappointed was that it wasn't 100% historically accurate. Many historians will know that Mary and Queen Elizabeth I never actually met in real life and will probably be irritated by a scene featuring both characters where they meet face to face. The reason why director, Josie Rourke, wanted to include this scene was because it was based on the 10th century Friedich Schiller play, Maria Stuart, in which Mary and Elizabeth talk face to face on stage. She stated that she "really wanted to have our version of the scene, with these two women looking at each other and being confronted with their choices". In my opinion, this was one of the best scenes in Mary Queen Of Scots as it was interesting to see both Mary and Elizabeth meet for the first time. I also think that Ronan and Robbie were at their best here, in terms of their performances. Those looking for a film that is 100% historically accurate are better off looking elsewhere, however, I think for the most part, I think it's remained mostly faithful to its source material which is John Guy's book, 'Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart". The story covers Mary's marriages to Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden), the father of her son, Edward, and the Earl of Bothwell (Martin Compston) and ends with her execution. The majority of the film focuses on Mary's life and her decisions and cuts to Elizabeth's reactions. While I'm not the biggest history fan, I was pleasantly surprised and found Mary Queen Of Scots to be a compelling watch.
The strongest aspect of Mary Queen Of Scots are Ronan and Robbie's performances. Despite being overlooked at the Academy Awards, Robbie has been recognised for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I with nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the BAFTAs. Recently, Robbie has proven herself to be a versatile actor after giving impressive performances as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and as Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Leading Actress. She continues to impress with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I, however, I was surprised by how little screen time she has, due to Mary Queen Of Scots focusing on its titular character. Like Robbie, Ronan has also given strong performances in the past and her portrayal of Mary Stuart doesn't disappoint. Being Irish, it was hard to pull off a Scottish accent convincingly, however, Ronan succeeds.
Rourke, making her directorial debut, makes a very assured move from the theatre to the cinema screen. She manages to recreate history and, with the help of impressive makeup, hairstyling and costume design, she does so convincingly. With help from her two leading ladies, Rourke also succeeds in making Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I interesting characters who aren't afraid to speak up for themselves and shows audiences why they're iconic figures in history.
Mary Queen Of Scots may not be the 100% historically accurate feature people were hoping for, however, it's worth watching for the impressive performances of both Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
7/10
While I can understand why a lot of people were disappointed, I still enjoyed Mary Queen Of Scots. Most feature films based on historical events can feel like a history lesson and are boring, however, I didn't think that this was the case for Mary Queen Of Scots. I think that the main reason why people were disappointed was that it wasn't 100% historically accurate. Many historians will know that Mary and Queen Elizabeth I never actually met in real life and will probably be irritated by a scene featuring both characters where they meet face to face. The reason why director, Josie Rourke, wanted to include this scene was because it was based on the 10th century Friedich Schiller play, Maria Stuart, in which Mary and Elizabeth talk face to face on stage. She stated that she "really wanted to have our version of the scene, with these two women looking at each other and being confronted with their choices". In my opinion, this was one of the best scenes in Mary Queen Of Scots as it was interesting to see both Mary and Elizabeth meet for the first time. I also think that Ronan and Robbie were at their best here, in terms of their performances. Those looking for a film that is 100% historically accurate are better off looking elsewhere, however, I think for the most part, I think it's remained mostly faithful to its source material which is John Guy's book, 'Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart". The story covers Mary's marriages to Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden), the father of her son, Edward, and the Earl of Bothwell (Martin Compston) and ends with her execution. The majority of the film focuses on Mary's life and her decisions and cuts to Elizabeth's reactions. While I'm not the biggest history fan, I was pleasantly surprised and found Mary Queen Of Scots to be a compelling watch.
The strongest aspect of Mary Queen Of Scots are Ronan and Robbie's performances. Despite being overlooked at the Academy Awards, Robbie has been recognised for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I with nominations for Best Supporting Actress at the BAFTAs. Recently, Robbie has proven herself to be a versatile actor after giving impressive performances as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and as Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, the latter of which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Leading Actress. She continues to impress with her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I, however, I was surprised by how little screen time she has, due to Mary Queen Of Scots focusing on its titular character. Like Robbie, Ronan has also given strong performances in the past and her portrayal of Mary Stuart doesn't disappoint. Being Irish, it was hard to pull off a Scottish accent convincingly, however, Ronan succeeds.
Rourke, making her directorial debut, makes a very assured move from the theatre to the cinema screen. She manages to recreate history and, with the help of impressive makeup, hairstyling and costume design, she does so convincingly. With help from her two leading ladies, Rourke also succeeds in making Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I interesting characters who aren't afraid to speak up for themselves and shows audiences why they're iconic figures in history.
Mary Queen Of Scots may not be the 100% historically accurate feature people were hoping for, however, it's worth watching for the impressive performances of both Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
7/10
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