Elizabeth in Film

Elizabeth has been famously portrayed in many films throughout the years, and many make up artists have had their turn creating her look. Actors have really sought after the role and have gone to extreme lengths such as shaving their hair line back to secure them the role, and make sure they play Elizabeth convincingly. I think this shows just how intriguing and inspirational women find Elizabeth even now.

ELIZABETH - 1998
In this interpretation Elizabeth is played by Cate Blanchett, who won a golden globe for her role. The plot of the film follows the story of Elizabeths rise to power, and shows how she grows into the queen that she was. Cate also shaved her hairline back for this film to ensure that her costume looked realistic. The make up and hair for the film was done by a team including; Jenny Shircore, Anita Burger, Miranda Davison, Karen Ferguson, Christine Greenwood and Lisa Pickering. Costumes were created by Alexandra Byrne.

imdb. (1998). Elizabeth. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0127536/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

ELIZABETH THE GOLDEN AGE - 2007
This film is the sequel to 'Elizabeth' also starring Cate Blanchett. This film is set later in Elizabeths rein, and shows her defending her country against threats from the church, and the Spanish Armada. This film won a academy award for costume design. The Make up and hair artists that worked on this film included Julia Vernon, Susan Howard and Joe Hopker. Alexandra Byrne once again was in charge of costumes.

imdb. (2007). Elizabethan Hair. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414055/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast. Last accessed 4th Dec 2014.

THE PRIVATE LIVES OF ELIZABETH AND ESSEX - 1955
50's film star Betty Davis took a turn playing Elizabeth in this film, based around the relationship between the Queen and Robert Deveroux (The Earl of Essex). Bette Davis was the first actress to go to the extreme lengths of shaving her hairline and brows for the role, risking them never growing back. The make up in this film is far more 'Pantomine' like, the make up is very stark and ageing. The make up artist for this film is Perc Westmore, one of the famous 'Westmore' make up artists. Costume was covered by Orry Kelly.

imdb. (2014). The Private lives of Elizabeth and Essex. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0031826/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast. Last accessed 4th december 2014.

 THE VIRGIN QUEEN - 2005 
Anne Marie Duff plays Elizabeth in this four part BBC Drama. This mini series shows Elizabeths life through the years of her reign, from the very beginning up until death. This was of course a challenge for Anne Marie Duff, especially getting used to wearing such heavy amounts of make up and prosthetics used to age her. Fake teeth were added for the later years, and Duff had to work on her ability to talk with them in to ensure she played the part well. Make up for this production was done by Chris Lyons, Sjaan Gillings, Josh Weston, Sophia Burnage, Victoria Bancroft, Maureen McGill, Anna Morena, Karen Hartley and Neil Gorton. Costumes were designed by Amy Roberts.

imdb. (2014). The Virgin Queen . Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0481459/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm%23cast. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

ELIZABETH 1st - 2005 
This is a two part series, covering the later years of Elizabeths rein. Starring Helen Mirren, this series shows most attention to the Queens personal relationships with both the Earl of Essex, and the Earl of Leicester. The Make up for this series was done by Fae Hammond, Sue Westwood, Jan Hope-Kavanagh and Gemma Richards. Costume was done by Mike O'Neill.

imdb. (2014). Elizabeth 1st. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0465326/fullcredits/. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

SHAKESPERE IN LOVE - 1998 
Judi Dench portrays Elizabeth for a more minor role in this movie. This film shows a much older Elizabeth, and her make up is done to reflect that. Her skin looks by no means perfect, she would have been covered in make up to hide the signs of mercury poisoning. It is likely she would have also lost a lot of her hair, so Judi wore wigs in the film. The make up for the film was done by Lisa Westcott and Veronica Brebner. 

imdb. (2014). Shakespere in Love. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0138097/?ref_=nv_sr_1. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

FIRE OVER ENGLAND 1937 and THE SEA HAWK 1940 

Flora Robson Played Elizabeth twice, just liked Betty Davis did. This film shows Elizabeth at the time when she was under threat from the Spanish Armada. Perc Westmore was the make up artist, and costume was designed by Orry Kelly and Rene Hulburt. 

imdb. (2014). Fire over England. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028872/?ref_=nv_sr_1. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

imdb. (2014). The Sea Hawk. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033028/?ref_=nv_sr_1. Last accessed 4th December 2014.

ELIZABETH R - 1971

This mini series was renowned for its accuracy, and starred Glenda Jackson as Queen Elizabeth. Glenda shaved her hairline for the role, and prosthetic make up were used to create the look. It was mentioned in class about how the placement of the blush in this reenactment is very '70's' as it has been placed high on the cheek bone instead of on the apple, and I completely agree. Make up and hair in the film was done by Dawn Alcock and Sandra Shepherd. 

imdb. (2014). Elizabeth R. Available: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066652/fullcredits/. Last accessed 4th December 2014.