Dis-happyness

Warning this post contains spoilers about the film The Pursuit of Happyness.

My wife, Kimberly, gets very stressed out during movies where characters are in positions were they lack security. So, needless to say, The Pursuit of Happyness was a nerve racking film for her.

Yet, during the film, I was bothered thematically with the message. For much of the film, it seemed to address various ideas about Thomas Jefferson's clause in the declaration that stated that we had the unalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.

And in the film, Will Smith, playing the part of Chris Gardner, struggles with these concepts as he and his son deal with homelessness and poverty while Gardner struggles to get a job as a stock broker for Dean Witter Reynolds (now Morgan Stanley).

Yet, the film, to me ended up being just a depressing version of Legally Blonde. Despite the fact that the film deals with questions of whether true happiness is ever attainable, the final answer to the question is that if we work hard enough, we can pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and become rich, which surely must equate with happiness.

While the interaction between Smith and his real life son in the film, are the most touching moments of the film, it's hardly much different plot wise than Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoons) devotion to fashion and image while struggling to make it as a lawyer in Legally Blonde.

Hard work does pay off, and financial security is surely preferable to poverty, and achieving for the sake of family is beyond honorable, but what if Chris Gardner wasn't impressively smart? or what if he still hadn't made the cut with Dean Witter to get the job? And how is the loss of his wife reconcilable?

To me this film left me incredibly unsatisfied. I think I would appreciated if it had just told the story of Chris Garnder's life or that time period in Chris Garnder's life, without trying to attach his story to something bigger and grander, especially something as obtuse as happiness.

Related Tags: Chris Gardner, Will Smith, The Pursuit of Happyness, Legally Blonde, Film, Decleration of Independence, Happiness

Predicting LifeChurch.tv's Songs for Mixtape 07

Lifechurch.tv one of the most talked about churches in America, namely for it's innovative approaches in technology and use of multi-site campus' is launching a new sermon series beginning Easter weekend entitled Mixtape 07. While other churches will be doing Easter pageants and dramatic sermons about the central moment in Christian faith (the death and resurrection of Jesus), lifechurch.tv will kick off a four week series focusing on how "God can connect with us through his life-changing truth revealed through today's hottest music."

Over the course of four weeks, each weekend will focus on a different hit song during it's weekend church experiences.

These four songs have not been revealed, and so I've decided to create a top 10 of what I believe might show up on lifechurch.tv's mixtape. I've assumed that the songs most be very current, they may spread multiple genres, and will be songs that many people will already know. And of course, must be songs that can be turned to have some spiritual dimension.

Here are my top ten possible songs that could end up on the lifechurch.tv mixtape.

1. Waiting for the World To Change - John Mayer
2. If Everyone Cared - Nickelback
3. You're Beautiful - James Blunt
4. Unwritten- Natasha Bedingfield
5. It's Not Over - Daughtry
6. Don't Matter - Akon
7. Stand - Rascal Flatts
8. Wasted - Carrie Underwood
9. There's Hope - India.Aire
10. What Goes Around Comes Around - Justin Timberlake

Next 10 - Runners up: Better Life, Keith Urban; The Sweet Escape, Gwen Stefani; What If, Coldplay; How To Save A Life, The Frey; Not To Late, Norah Jones; Anyway, Martina McBride; Pain, Three Days Grace; For Yesterday, 30 Seconds to Mars; Bad Day, Daniel Powter; Save Room, John Legend.

Related Tags: Life Church, Lifechurch.tv, music, church, truth, top 10, John Mayer, Nickelback, James Blunt, Natasha Bedingfield, Daughtry, Akon, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, India Aire, Justin Timberlake, pop culture, sermon series

Satan as Protagonist in Upcoming Films

In recent years Satan has showed up in cinema played comically by Elizabeth Hurley in Bedazzled and dramaticly by Rosalinda Celentano in The Passion of the Christ (right).

Yet, in a time period where Pope Benedict XVI is reaffirming the realness of an eternal hell, there are a number of films on the forefront that will also be examing hell and Satan.

The newest buzz about a Satan-themed film is War in Heaven, dubbed to be "the next 300." This will be based off the yet published comic book series by Jeff Krelitz and is said to be: "a Braveheart-like storyline that ultimately follows Lucifer as he leads a rebellion in Heaven. Battle sequences shows legions of Angels, including Gabriel and Michael, battling with their brother Lucifer and his army of fallen Angels." (via)

War in Heaven is still certainly, a ways off. Similarly it's hard to tell when Scott Derrickson will begin full blown production of Paradise Lost, a film greenlighted last April (as mentioned on StrangeCulture). This film version of the classic epic poem by John Milton, like "War of Heaven" includes God as a character but focuses on the Devil as the central protagonist, a character in crisis.

And of course, even on the comic front, their is a film with the Devil as the central protagonist. Daniel Craig is set to play Satan in the "what if" movie called I, Lucifer. I, Lucifer is based Glen Duncas in which God gives Satan a shot of redemption if lives out a blameless life as a human.

Obviously the Father of Lies is no stranger to the film camera, but it will certainly be interesting to see how evil is embodded through Satan in the films that come out in the years ahead, and whether Satan will be portrayed as a real being or in a mythological or comicy way.

Related Tags: Satan, Devil, Lucifer, War in Heaven, God, Paradise Loss, Scott Derrickson, Comic, Daniel Craig, I Lucifer, Pope Benedict XVI, Hell, Eternity, Film

Reel People: Richard Gere is Clifford Irving

The film is the Hoax, directed by Lasse Hallstrom.

Clifford Irving was an author, who initially survived off of a low level job at the New York Times while he was working on his work. Not so lucky in love, he and his first wife split up after two years of marriage, his second wife died in an auto accident, the relationship with the third didn't last long either. His relationship with his forth wife, Edith seemed to stick.

After writing a few novels, as well as Fake! (1969), the autobiograph of art forger Elmyr de Hory, Irving had begun to establish an image, especially with his publisher McGraw-Hill. Irving and spanish author Richard Suskind created a plan to fake an autobiography of Howard Hughes, since Hughes' had bought off everyone who wrote an unautorized biography and had completly withdrawn from public life. Irving and friends went to a lot of work to fake letters and create an image that Irving truly had authorized an autobiography. McGraw-Hill paid Irving and Hughes huge advances for the autobiography. The checks to Hughes though were deposited in a Swiss bank account by Irving and his wife.

Irving and Suskind were busted months before the books was too be published when Howard Hughes himself came forward and claimed the book was a fake. Although Irving tried to claim the Howard Hughes coming forward was fake, it was unsucsessful when Swiss authorities got involved and identified Edith as the one who was making the deposits. Irving served 14 months in jail and returned over $700,000 in advances to the publisher. Suskind served 5 months in jail.

Irving went on to continue to write books after his release. Portions of Hughes autobiography can be downloaded at Irving's website. Irving on his website claims that there are many hoaxes to his own life portrayed in the move, especially in it's portrayl of Dick Suskind.

Hallstrom has as usual gathered a great cast. Suskind is played by Alfred Molina, Edith Irving is played by Marcia Gay Harden. Other stars include Stanley Tucci, Hope Davis, Eli Wallach, and Julie Deply. (As a side note Michael J. Burge in a minor role will another film version of Truman Capote in this picture).

This portrayl of a real person could earn Gere some critical awards attention this year for his portrayal of this Real (Reel) Person.

Related Tags: Clifford Irving, The Hoax, Lasse Hallstrom, Marcia Gay Harden, Howard Hughes, Autobiography, Bio Pic, Edith Irving, Elmyr de Hory, Fake, McGraw-Hill, Richard Suskind, Film, Award Buzz

My Thoughts, My Thoughts on "My Country, My Country"

I certainly enjoyed the 2007 Academy Award best documentary nominated film, My Country, My Country.

The film follows Dr. Riyadh, a Sunni Muslim who is passionate about democracy, but also unhappy with the foreign occupation. The film follows him as he runs for office under the Islamic Party in the controversial 2005 election. The film follows him in dealing with his family of 6 children, his medical practice, an inspection of the Abu Gharib prison, and trying to gain supports of hostel and indifferent Sunni's in his district.

This film on many levels is very interesting. It plays more like a national geographic picture article than a tightly woven narrative story. It creates an emotion and shows images that leaves CNN and Fox News in the dust. At the same time, I felt like Laura Poitras had amazing film clips she didn't know what to do with, but really wanted to use, and so they sneaked there way into the film.

Probably more than anything, the part I found interesting was seeing how the United States military and UN went about organizing such massive elections for Iraq, and even more interesting was the ways in which they tried to make it appear that Iraqi's were the one's conducting the election.

Related Tags: My Country My Country, Iraq, Academy Award, Documentary, Laura Poitras, Dr Riyadh, Islam, Muslim, Sunni, Elections, Democracy

Reel People: Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Marcus Carl Fanklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, & Ben Whishaw are Bob Dylan

The Film is I'm Not There directed by Todd Haynes. In the film many characters play Bob Dylan (including Cate Blanchett pictured above) at different points of the artist life.

Dylan was born Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in 1941. Zimmerman/Dylan played and listened to music all the time when he was young. In college Zimmerman started introducting himself as Bob Dylan in college, his inspiration for the name came from author Dylan Thomas. Dylan quit college and began playing music where he eventually got signed by Columbia Records to do a record in 1962. Dylan a fan of Woody Guthrie, soon got labeled as a young Guthrie himself with songs that became deemed as protest songs for their messages. Before long Dylan was involved in the protest movement, especially as songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" became more popular.

While still creating a lot of hits, Dylan married Sarah Lownds in 1965 with whom they had 4 children (one of which is Jakob Dylan lead singer for the Wallflowers and director Jesse Dylan). 1966 Dylan had a severe motorcylce accident which caused him to re-evaluate his busy life, and caused him to disappear from society for a time, although he did release the album that contained the song "All Along the Watchtower" during this time. He reappeared to society when Woodie Guthrie died October 1967 and Dylan performed at Guthrie memorials.

Dylan's music was not received as strongly in the early 70s as in the mid-60s, although he still recorded some famous songs like "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" and "Hurricane" (his only protest song of 70s in response to Rubin "Hurricane" Carter being imprisoned). Lownds and Dylan divorced in 1977.

In 1979 Dylan's music turned to Gospel as he (with much skeptism) became a Christian, writing songs like "Gotta Serve Somebody" (to which Lennon responded with the song "Serve Yourself"). In this stage of life Dylan became good friends with Christian singer Steve Green.

Dylan became involved with Live Aid in the 80s and contributed to the song "We Are The World." In 1986 Dylan married his backup signer Carolyn Dennis.

Dylan has continued to make new music and tour, as well as receiving many honors including Kennedy Center honors, an academy award for the song "Things Change" from the film Wonderboys, and performing before the Pope.

This unique biographical film will certain get attention. It'll be curious to see if specific attention lands upon any of the people (Blanchett, Bale, Gere, etc) for portraying this Real (Reel) Person.

Related Tags: Bob Dylan, I'm Not There, Todd Haynes, Robert Allen Zimmerman, Bio Pic, Cate Blanchett, Christian Bale, Marcus Carl Fanklin, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, Woody Guthrie, Sarah Lownds, Protest Music, Jesse Dylan, Jacob Dylan, Christian Music, Carolyn Dennis, Movies, Film, Award Buzz

Best of 2007: Deathbed by Relient K

I can't imagine there being a better song in 2007 than Deathbed by Relient K off of their newest album Five Score & Seven Years Ago.

At over 11 minutes long, lead singer Matt Theissen, takes on the 1st person voice of a man dying on his deathbed of lung cancer.

The old man discusses his life and faults, from his smoking habit, to his disconnected marriage that he entered when his wife got pregnant, to the alchol he consummed to pass his life away.

It is hear on his deathbed that he's facing the conflict of who Jesus is and whether Jesus really could forgive his sins. The lyrical and poetic explination of this struggle is beautiful. Especially at this point, the song is so similar in overall tone and feel of Don McLean's American Pie.

And as the old man dies, the song end with the grandest of finales as Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot) takes on the voice of Jesus speaking to the man in his first moments of death. Foreman has the perfect voice for this role who a calm but full and powerful voice that concludes the song (and the cd) with an amazing climax.


This song alone, gives me tremendous respect for Theissen and Relient K that I have never had before. Last week this cd premiered at number 6 on Billboard's Top 200 and while mtv and online downloaders might be drawn to songs like "I Must Have Done Something Right," and "Forgiven," it is this song that is the amazing standout of this album.

Related Tags: Matt Thiessen, Relient K, Deathbed, Dying, Music, Five Score & Seven Years Ago, Jon Foreman

Fanning vs. Fanning: Best Picture Nominated Films

Frequent young artist award winner, and even Screen Actor's Guild nominee Dakota Fanning has certainly played a wide range of roles from War of the Worlds, I am Sam, Cat in The Hat, etc.

Yet, younger sister Elle Fanning has her own 1-up on older sister Dakota. Elle has appeared in a Best Picture nominated film, Babel. Sure Elle may not yet be a member of the academy like big-sister Dakota, but if Reservation Road does receive a best picture nod, Elle will have appeared in 2 best picture nominated films.

Dakota's child molestation picture Hounddog doesn't look like it'll be scoring with this years academy, but Elle's supporting role may put her in a 2nd academy best picture nominated film.

At this point Dakota has more notoriety, but come on Elle, celebrate in your successes like this one.

The race is on.

Related Tags: Best Picture, Dakota Fanning, Elle Fanning, Reservation Road, Babel, Academy Awards, Siblings

Is a spot reserved for Reservation Road?

Many of the front-runners people are already buzzing about seem logical, Sweeney Todd, Charlies Wilson's War, American Gangster, The Kite Runner, etc.

Yet obviously, certain "less-flashy" films play a role when it comes to critical prizes.

Everywhere there's people crazy enough to talk about this next years academy awards, people are buzzing about Reservation Road listing it as a 2007 front-runner.

Reservation Road is based off the novel by John Burnham Schwartz about two families whose lives interesect when a man is involved in a hit-and-run accident causing the death of a young boy.

Certainly not an uppity-feature film, but it does remind me of a film like In The Bedroom, with emotional acting opportunities for it's leads.

The film is written and directed by Terry George (two time oscar nominee for his co-writing of Hotel Rwanda and In The Name of The Father).

The film stars two-time Academy nominee Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator, Walk The Line), along side Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind), and Mark Ruffalo, and academy award nominee Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite).

It is certainly not a novice crew, but of the entire crew, only producer A. Kitman Ho has received an academy mention (Best Picture nods for JFK and Born on the Forth of July).

So why is this film receiving the buzz that is placing it in people's earliest top fives? I'm not sure.

Related Tags: Reservation Road, Terry George, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, Mark Ruffalo, Mira Sorvino, A Kitman Ho, Award Buzz, Oscars

A Women's Need for Solitude: as presented in The Holiday

The recent film, The Holiday, strongly proposes the idea that no one wants to be alone, even when they think they do.

Both Kate Winslet's and Cameron Diaz's character (Iris and Amanda), both decide that they can't be around people any longer and seek out the opportunity to be alone. Yet as soon as they are alone, they also instantly are incapable of being alone. Amanda (Diaz) instantly is ready to fly home out of loneliness/boredom, and only changes her mind because of a physical relationship with Graham (Jude Law). Iris (Winslet) handles alone time much better, but instantly is willing to connect with old relations, as well as is very willing to make new friends (a decorated screenwriter and a film composer).

Allison post "Being Alone" on Explorations talked about the film/literary concept that "alone time is pretty much the panacea for all spiritual ills." She mentions some various books and films, Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, The Hours by Michael Cunningham, and To Room 19 by Doris Lessing. To these books, I will also add The Awakening by Kate Chopin. Yet Allison says that many of these books take female solitude too far.

I think that's what I appreciate about The Holiday. Although these women in the film found temporary respite from their ills and woes in film, Nancy Meyers also shows that these women (and the men they encounter) are not cut out for long term solitude, but rather have a deep need for meaningful relationships with others.

In light of my recent post ("I am a Lonely Soul") I actually agree with this principle. Normally, I am turned off by the concepts presented in Romantic-Comedies, and while there are some idyllic situations and contrived moments, I found the Holiday's presentation of solitude/companionship intriguing.

God made Eve because he said it was not God for man to be alone, but I wonder if Eve ever wanted some time to herself?

Related Tags: The Holiday, Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, Idealism, Loneliness, Solitude, Relationships, Companionship, Romantic Comedy, Nancy Meyers, Women, Literature, Film

$100 million in ads and still in the (Red)

In a recent post I mentioned CSR (Consumer Social Responsibility) as a long-term corporate strategy where companies will try to enhance their public image and increase consumer spending.

Clearly one of the most well advertised CSR campaign has been the Product (Red) Campaign which delivers high end products through companies like Gap, American Express, Apple, Motorolla and Converse.

On March 4, Mya Frazier of Ad Age wrote an article, "Costly RED Campaign Reaps Meager $18 million." Which criticized Product (Red) of spending $100 in advertising to raise only $18 million.

This has inspired a number of responses, including responses from Bob Shriver, Red CEO, and Richard Feachem the executive director of the Global Fund.

Yet Advertising Age is not the only whistle blower. The situation for many, like NYU economics professor William Easterly, is much larger, as many have recently been critical of foreign aid in Africa suggesting it supports a larger problem in Africa, which is government corruption, which hinders African countries from becoming democratic of achieving sustainable economic growth. (I instantly think of the movie The Constant Gardner)

Is criticism over the (Red) Campaign unnecessary criticism, and just a result of our critical culture? Or are these concerns legitimate?

Personally, in age of CSR, I think companies like Gap Inc. should back off from advertising their social responsibility by traditional ad means. Instead release press-releases and inform local activist groups of the project, and train company employees to be able to speak about the project. Using buzz marketing principles, this CSR campaign could potentially be very profitable and at the same time protect these companies from appearing as though they were exploiting disease and poverty to gain wealth, and spending 5 times as much to promote their campaign than they are able to donate.

I appreciate the Buy (Less) Crap campaign that encourages people simply to buy less and give instead of participating in these corporate campaigns which encourages consumption of unnecesary luxary products. And yet, I also acknowledge to power of large scale organizations to chanel the masses into opportunities to give big by everyone giving small. (It's like the money they made in Office Space by taking the rounded pennies and putting the money into one account).

It may be eutopian but I wish we could live with the mindset of the Buy (Less) Crap slogan: "Shopping is not a solution. Buy less. Give more."

You can also check out the Red Blog here.

(More here and here)

Related Tags: economics, csr, consumer social responsibility, red, campaign, gap inc, apple, american express, social justice, Africa, aids, health, consumerism, advertising, William Easterly, Bob Shriver, Richard Feachem, Global Fund, World Poverty

"I am a Lonely Soul"

Brad Delp, the long-time lead singer of the classic rock band Boston commited suicide March 9th, and today nothing is sadder than reading the about his suicide notes, primarily the one pinned to his collar, reading:

"Mr. Brad Delp. J’ai une ame solitaire. I am a lonely soul.”

I am a lonely soul. These words find in a strange time.

I think most people suffer from some degree of loneliness, certainly I know that I do.

In the recently published book, Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel, the third chapter is entitled: "Most of the Time I Feel Incredibly Lonely."

This chapter was actually very moving to me, because while I have many great friends (most living a state or 7 away), a great wife, a great family, a great job, and see many people I know everyday, I often feel lonely. And yet at the same time, I find myself also asking, what would make me feel unlonely, and then too, I have no answer.

Groeschel in his book speaks of three myths of seclusion that are certainly beliefs I fall into some time.

Seclusion Conclusion #1: I have to perform for people.

Seclusion Conclusion #2: To survive in life, you can't trust anyone.

Seclusion Conclusion #3: People really don't care about us.

I know that I am frequently guilty of trying to please people, I think so many times I want to please people, whether in work, friendships, or whatever, and as a result people sometimes don't see the real me. Which leads to #2... it's as though I'm scared if people "really knew me" they wouldn't like me, or even care for me (#3).

The band Relient K's most recent album contains a song written by front-man Matthew Thiessen called Faking my Own Suicide (lyrics here) where in a sad/goofy way thoughts about love are explored where "the narrator" speaks of faking his own suicide so the girl he loves will realize how much she loved him, even though she didn't realize it.

It's in this vein of morbidness that there is truth, I think far too many people are asking if anyone would care if they died.

Brad Delp surely must have known people cared for him, otherwise he wouldn't have left notes to his family and fiancée, Pamela Sullivan.

I know for me I need to work on trusting more and not trying to please people. I know so many people care for me and my wife and I am so thankful for the dear friends that I have, even if many of them live in so many different places.

If ever I feel lonely (like Brad Delp, Craig Groeschel or Matt Theissen), I am deceived, for I am certainly not alone.

Related Tags: Brad Delp, Craig Groeschel, Matthew Theissen, Boston, Suicide, Loneliness, Depression, Confessions of a Pastor, Relient K, Faking My Own Suicide, Music, Book, Death

Reel People: Clive Owens is Sir Walter Raleigh

The film is The Golden Age were Clive Owens will star along-side Cate Blanchett as Queen Elizabeth I.

Sir Walter Raleigh is more famous for his association with Queen Elizabeth I, then she is for her association with him. Walter Raleigh was much younger than Elizabeth born in 1552, just six years before Elizabeth I would take the throne. He was born of a wealthy protestant family, which initially was unfortunate in some regards as Mary I was queen of England in his earliest days and trying to re-establish Catholicism as the church of England in his earliest childhood. Some attribute such events as creating a disdain for Catholics by Raleigh. He Attended Oxford for some time, and eventually joined with the Huguenots in the French Wars of Religion, and then returned to London to study law, although whether he actually attended school or studied law is up for historical debate. In the late 1570s/early 1580s Raleigh was very involved with fighting and suppressing Irish rebellions, and for a good time set up residence in Ireland.

To Americans Raleigh is most important for establishing the first colonies in the new world as he attempted twice to set up Virginia colony (named after the virgin queen herself) in Roanoke Island in 1584 and again in 1587. Raleigh paved the way for American colonization, although his initial attempts were relatively unsuccessful.

Elizabeth I first came in contact with Raleigh in the early 1580s as a result of his success in squelching the Irish rebellions, he was knighted, and later became captain of the Queen's guard. In 1591 Raleigh secretly married one of Elizabeth I's ladies-in-waiting, Elizabeth Throckmorton ("Bess"). When the Queen eventually learned of this unauthorized marriage Raleigh, and Raleigh was imprisoned and his wife dismissed from court. Raleigh was later released and was able to establish a respectable life with his wife, and in the community where he lived. He also went in search of El Dorado, a golden city along the Caroni River in the Orinoco River Basin (now, Venezuela).

In 1603, when Queen Elizabeth I died, Raleigh was imprisoned by the new king, James VI of Scotland. He was sentenced to death and spent 16 years in the tower of London where Raleigh wrote the first volume of "History of the World" about Greece and Rome. Raleigh was released from prison for a second journey in search of El Dorado. El Dorado was not discovered, and on the journey the crew led an unauthorized attack of the Spanish. The Spanish demanded that Raleigh's death sentence be reinstated. James VI followed the request of the Spanish, and Raleigh was beheaded in 1618.

In the Golden Age directed by Shekhar Kapur, will focus on the relationship between Raleigh (Owens) and the Queen (Blanchett). The role of Bess will be played by rising-star Abbie Cornish.

This biographical film could certainly earn Academy nominated actor Owens some critical awards attention this year for his portrayal of this Real (Reel) Person.

Related Tags: Sir Walter Raleigh, The Golden Age, Cate Blanchett, Film, Bio Pic, 1500s, 1600s, England, Ireland, Colonization, America, Spain, Elizabeth Throckmorton, Abbie Cornish, Queen Elizabeth I, Shekhar Kapur, James VI, Award Buzz, History, Clive Owens

Reel People: Cate Blanchett is Queen Elizabeth I (again)

The movie is The Golden Age where Cate Blanchett will reprise her academy nominated role as Queen Elizabeth I in 1998's film Elizabeth. This follow up film is again directed by Shehkar Kapur, and screenwriter Michael Hirst.

Elizabeth was born in 1533, daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn (his second wife). Elizabeth's mother was accused of treason, and witchcraft and killed when Elizabeth was only three. In 1547, Elizabeth's half brother Edward VI (son of Henry VIII & Jane Seymoure) took the throne of England. Protestant Edward VI named in his will Lady Jane Grey as his successor, trying to keep his roman catholic half-sister Mary (as well as Elizabeth) from the throne. Queen Jane ruled 9 days, and then soon behind swept in Mary I (frequently called Mary Tudor or Bloody Mary). Queen Mary I of England reigned 1553-1558, when she died at the age of 42. This was then 1558, the year Elizabeth laid claim to the royal throne (Over Mary Queen of Scots, daughter of James V in the line of Henry VII. Mary Queen of Scots at this point was 16, she formally began ruling Scotland at the age of 9 months old).

Elizabeth I was the last monarchy of the Tudor dynasty. She never married or had children, and was often referred to as the virgin queen. She ruled almost 45 years, in a time period which became known as the Elizabethan age, in a time period in which England gained greater influence in world wide affairs. The crowning of Elizabeth I was complicated because there was no archbishop of Canterbury, and because she was protestant many bishops did not want to crown the queen feeling she was an illegitimate monarch.

During the early days of Elizabeth I's reign there was significant conflict between her and Mary Queen of Scots. By this point Mary was the wife of French King Francis II, claimed she was the real queen of England and exerted French authority over England. Once the French wars of Religion began between the Huguenots and the Catholics, Elizabeth gave support to the Huguenots over the French Catholics.

During Elizabeth I's reign England was very active militarily and politically as they established their role in Europe further. There were also tremendous art endeavors which expanded England's role in the world culturally, especially with Shakespearean theater. In 1603 Elizabeth I's reign ended upon her death when she feel into a deep melancholy and depression for days, eventually died in her sleep. James I king of Scotland succeeded Elizabeth upon her death.

The upcoming film does not of course tell the entire story of Elizabeth's life, but is said to focus on the relationship Elizabeth I (Blanchett) has with Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Ownens). Geoffery Rush will reprise his role as Sir Francis Walsingham, and Samantha Morton will play the role of Mary Queen of Scots.

Will this biographical film earn Blanchett some critical awards again for her second portrayal of this Real (Reel) Person?


Related Tags: Queen Elizabeth I, House of Tudor, Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, Bloody Mary, Cate Blanchett, The Golden Age, Film, Clive Owens, Virgin Queen, England, Scotland, Shehkar Kapur, Michael Hirst, Academy Awards, Award Buzz, 1500s, Catholicism, Protestantism, Monarchy, bio pic