by Chris Feil
As promised yesterday, the Mary Queen of Scots trailer has arrived. Think of it like the less demented and much more traditional flip side of an actressy coin to the antics of that trailer for The Favourite. Becauseonce again we've got some heavily costumed fireworks on our hands.
And what take does this version of the oft rehashed history have to offer? The film jumps off from the amicable relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, played respectively by last year's Best Actress nominees Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan. Then begins a rivalry for the throne, but this film plays handily with the underpinnings of affection both women have for one another and the men underneath their power forcing their hands. As your middle school history books will tell you, it doesn't end well for all parties.
This is one of our more anticipated Oscar players of the season, so all eyes are on what Ronan and Robbie have in store as their awards stars continue to go upward. But will the movie have the goods? Take a look at the new trailer and we'll break down the Yes No Maybe So...
YES
- One of Ronan's less discussed gifts is her quite formiddable rage and this looks like it will bring that side of her talent front and center.
- It may not have been what was intended, but the campy majesty at play here is the most delicious of candy. Wig reveals, catchphrases, instant memes. When will your heir to the throne fav?
- Men are always the most boring parts of these kinds of costume dramas. Keep them on the sidelines.
- A more personal angle for the narrative is probably what is needed here for the film to stand out among the story's many takes over the years. It isn't always easy to make us care about historical figures such as these, so I'm happy the film is going for it.
- The powerhouse moments in that showdown scene!!
NO
- There is a noticeable amount of... dare I say... chintziness at play? Costuming that doesn't quite look appropriate, hairstyling that isn't quite believable, etc. Almost like high-budget sketch comedy but played seriously? Hmmm...
- Aside from using the sisterly relationship between Mary and Elizabeth as the narrative vantage, we've seen all of this before. And it looks closer to the bad movies like it than the good ones.
- A movie that makes me recoil at the site of Guy Pearce? Shame!
- Do costume dramas really still hold the Oscar sway they once did? Diminishing returns, my friends.
MAYBE SO
- Artist Director on the UK theatre's much hurrahed Donmar Warehouse Josie Rourke is making her feature debut here. While strong theatre directors of late have as many misfires as successes on screen, this one has us intrigued.
- Sure say what you will about the wigs, but the look of the ill Elizabeth promises one haunting Makeup And Hairstyling nominee.
- The more lingering acting beats (after several several watches of this trailer) belong to Robbie. Most of the push seems to be on Ronan, but could Robbie be the stealth player?
While I am a definite yes for the drama, I'm a MAYBE SO on the film itself. What sayeth ye?