Tuesday 18th July. 10.00 AM – ‘A’ Stage, Shepperton Studios. Our last day filming with Cate, as the Queen takes a rare bath and uses the opportunity to discuss men with Bess.
Elizabeth was considered rather fastidious for her time, bathing more frequently (several times a year) than most. Generally at this period bathing was still considered to be a dangerous pastime which weakened the body and left it open to disease. Indeed bathing was even cited as a possible cause of her bout of smallpox, although we know now that that cannot have been the case.
But as this is Cate’s last day I should perhaps finish by breaking my usual rule and commenting on her Elizabeth. It is the rare privilege of a historian working in film to be able to not simply imagine the past but see it. Of course what we create on set is not history, we cannot go back there and can never reconstruct either the events in their entirety or know truly what it was to live then. But every generation has the right to look back in time and find the elements from then that resonate with now, and use them to tell a story. For each generation that story will be different as it says as much about the present as it does about the past. For me, seeing Cate on set each day has been being in the presence of Elizabeth, despite the lights and cameras and modern world impedimenta which conspire to break the spell. And if she is Elizabeth to me even when surrounded by the 21st century, I’m sure she will be Elizabeth to the audience who see the finished film. An Elizabeth for a new generation, created in an uncertain present to tell a story from a dangerous past.
Justin
Beneath the Surface
Considered to be a danger
the body left open
Indeed, even as a possible cause
we know now
Perhaps finish by breaking rule
it is the rare privilege of working
to be able to not simply imagine the past
but see it
What we create is back there
and events in their entirety
know truly
what it was to live…then
Find the elements
then
resonate with now
Tell a story
each story will be different
it says about the present
as it does about the past
the presence
the light…and world
conspire to break the spell
Even when surrounded by a new generation
created in present
tell a story
…from a dangerous past
You say it perfectly, Justin, and I can’t wait to be once again transported into the past by Cate, Shekhar, you and the crew. After months of reading this blog, it feels strange to know that this is Cate’s final day of filming. It must be bittersweet.
But I must congratulate everyone, especially Shekhar, for finding an actor so worthy of the legend. I have to say I’m driven to this largely because of Cate’s powerful portrayal. I couldn’t have imagined The Golden Age without her.
dear Justin
thanks for an excellent update. your wry phrasing of the frequency of ER’s bathing is hilarious.
love, heather
Hey Justin,
I am curious where does this movie end, with the introduction of Robert Deveraux’s rise to favour after Raleighs fall? Is there an idea of a 3rd movie floating around that would include Cadiz, and the Essex rebellion, and the succession of James the 1st of England and 7th of Scottland?
WR
Dear Justin,
What direction does the movie take after Cate’s departure?
Judy
Absolutely well written, Justin! You had me imagining Elizabeth, not only naked in flesh; but, of heart….
Cinda, awesome poem!! I’ve known you many years, and still… you never cease to amaze me with your skills.
All my best wish’s to Shekhar/Family & cast and crew…and to you as well Justin… as you keep us right in the shadowy ebs of Elizabeth’s inner goings and partings, onset!
Sir Walter, re: post #4-now, wouldn’t that be a grande manifest? I love historical accounts…
Anyone familiar with Ama Biron and/or Sir Luis de Fleury? (ancestors)
North
Judy – Cate appears right to the end of the movie in terms of the narrative, it’s just that we’ve filmed all her scenes, just leaving the action sequences aboard ship until last.
WR – I couldn’t possibly comment on an ‘Elizabeth III’ – we’ll have to see how this one does. There is narrative room however…..
And thank you Cinda for another wonderful poem – indeed thank you all for your kind comments. I hope we live up to your expectations.