Mary Queen Of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots is a retelling of the turbulent life of Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), based on the book “Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart” by Dr. John Guy. Queen of France at 16, at 18 Mary is widowed, defies pressure to remarry and instead returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. By birth, Mary has a rival claim to the throne of Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie), who rules as England’s Queen. Contrary to earlier accounts, and based on Dr. John Guy’s research, we see Mary as a capable politician and leader who wanted an alliance with her cousin Elizabeth. Mary fights to govern her unruly kingdom at a time when female monarchs are reviled as monstrous. To secure their thrones, the two Queens make very different choices about marriage and children. Mary’s reputation is under continual attack from her enemies, who construct lies about her sexual conduct. Betrayal, rebellion and conspiracies within each court imperil both Queens–driving them apart, as each woman experiences the bitter cost of power.
Director:
Josie Rourke
Cast:
Margot Robbie, Gemma Chan, Saoirse Ronan
Screenplay:
Beau Willimon and John Guy
Screening Date:
Dec 01, 2018
Studio:
Focus Features
Running Time:
2 hours 4 minutes
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39.4% | 31.5% | 18.4% | 5.2% | 5.2% |
“I’ve long been an admirer of the Donmar warehouse and this
film is clearly touched by the theatrical imagination of it’s
director. What a beautiful, intelligent production. Stellar
acting and gorgeous cinematography and design and a
wonderful drafted screenplay.”
“Some what confusing, plots and sub plots, who is who.”
"Great depictions of power, want for power and ambition, all
inexorably tied to sex and politics. Sexual politics."
“Acting pretty good, but there was something wrong with the
script. Script did not correspond to what I knew about the
history.”
“Clearly a new perspective on the relationship between Mary
and Elizabeth. Also, the war between Mars and Venus. These
two remarkable monarchs had so much to fight for in a time
when women were seen as weak emotional creatures not fit to
rule by the men in council and power. Making Morgot Robbie
look more clownish and keeping Saoirse Ronan young and
natural looking. So dramatic. The wash house scene was
brilliant. This is like the fourth of five versions I’ve seen. Well
done. So different from the one with Redgrave. Your dialogue
was so much better. Thanks for the preview.”
“Beautifully shot and well acted, though pacing was uneven.
But I didn’t like the way the story was told.”
“Visually impressive, but slow. Did we need another Mary
story? Saoirse Ronan sounded more Irish than English or
Scottish. Good for someone who doesn’t know the story.”
“Yuck! While many aspects of the story are compelling the
presentation was not good. So sorry Saoirse.”
“Boring.”
“Great to see the racial mix in casting.”
“I can see why Josie Rourke was chosen as director, and the
film carries the theatricality – in all the best interpretations – of
her stage approach. Scene of them meeting brilliant, through
the fog and linen they slowly get to know each other. Robbie’s
makeup both camouflage and a reaction to Saorise’s youth and
femininity.”
“First scene after the prelude beheading – Mary collapses face
down in the waters of Scotland. A wonderful image of her fate
as she drowns in religion, the power of corrupt men and her
own stumblings. Great film, lots to digest, beautiful to look at.”
“Gorgeous film but I never really jumped on board anyone’s
bandwagon. Saorise as Mary shows compassion and
intelligence, but blunders her way through various
relationships. And all the men are pretty much scum.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
https://youtu.be/hoZHyVJSCGI Here is an interview of Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan speaking about Mary Queen of Scots along with the relationship between the two characters.
http://collider.com/mary-queen-of-scots-josie-rourke-interview/ This article shows how the director Josie Rourke discusses the timeliness of the film.
https://www.historyscotland.com/articles/scottish-kings-and-queens/mary-... Here are some facts you never knew about Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary
https://www.npr.org/2018/12/02/672244211/the-cost-of-being-queen-mary-ex... This article tells us about the sacrifices women had to make while being in power.
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/12/218688/saoirse-ronan-mary-queen... Saoirse Ronan talks about the film along with her intimate sex scenes.
https://youtu.be/17zkgBXjbyo Here is an interview with Joe Alwyn & Josie Rourke (director) speaking about the film and Joe working with Margot Robbie.
