TORONTO—While the fair share of terrorism related films did show up at the Toronto International Film Festival, Elizabeth: The Golden Age the third film on the historical Virgin Queen also managed to tie in the modern theme, says director Shekhar Kapur.
Within the first several scenes of his new film, and third in the trilogy, Queen Elizabeth must deal with "extremist" Catholics, who long for Mary Queen of Scots to be the Queen of England and attempt to assassinate her.
Yet despite the likelihood of these extremists, Queen Elizabeth refuses to outlaw the Catholic religion, and maintains her stance on freedom of religion.
Kapur was overtly forthright in his attempt to tie in this modern and current theme into the historical film.
"There's no point in making a movie unless it is contemporary to our times," said Golden Globe winning and Academy Award nominated director Shekhar Kapur.
"A society that doesn't learn from history, doesn't learn," he added.
After winning a Golden Globe for directing the first Elizabeth Film, Kapur went on to say that he did not find it challenging keeping the third round "Elizabeth" fresh with new themes and exciting drama.
"She is incredibly inspiring....I think within this film she has to go beyond pride, beyond mortal aspects."
Kapur has developed an acclaimed career and reputation as an exceptional director, yet he finds the job more about allowing things to happen on-screen than controlling all events as a director.
"For me making a film is not about directing, it is about allowing the film to be made...and not get in its way," said Kapur.
"What I am providing them is a blank canvass...and they are really interpreting the film...I am not interpreting, they are interpreting."
As for his Queen, Cate Blanchett, she found his talents to be worthy of the praise and far more than a leisure director he portrays himself to be.
"Shekhar is able to raise the stakes to another level that other directors would consider too melodramatic. He is able to create the constant sense of anxiety and danger..." said Blanchett.
The film co-stars Clive Owen, Abbie Cornish, and brings back Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush, as her trusted advisor Sir Francis.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age opens in the U.S. nationwide, on October 12th.
Feeds