Mary, Queen of Scots
Having explored the decadence of Henry VIII's court in Anne of a Thousand Days, director Charles Jarrot followed up that film with Mary, Queen of Scots (1971). In it, Glenda Jackson turns in one of the finest performances of her career as the vain, ill-tempered but brilliant and dedicated monarch, Elizabeth I.
What makes this story particularly fascinating are the connections and parallels between Mary Stuart-played by Vanessa Redgrave-and Elizabeth, who, despite superficial differences of ideology, have much in common as women who struggle to maintain their respective sovereignty in a time when men otherwise ruled. The ultimate tragedy is that circumstances drive these two women into mortal conflict, to their mutual regret.
Such is Jackson's sheer intensity as an actor and Elizabeth's fascinating place in history, that one often wishes the film would concentrate more on her than the title character. Redgrave, while herself superlative in the role of Mary, is given a less sympathetic character, given to naivete and childishness, in contrast to the brilliant wits and steely determination of Elizabeth. However, the script is so well-written and the acting so fine, that this a minuscule flaw.
Those who have visited some of the locations used in the film are likely to feel a bit thrown off at times. Alnwick Castle in northern England is filmed from one angle as the French castle from which Mary departs, and then filmed from another as the Scottish castle at which she arrives! Nevertheless, the use of locations is resourceful, and although sites other than the actual historic ones were used, they are so visually striking and well-chosen that one cannot complain.
Paul Andrew MacLean
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LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com