MovieChat Forums > Mary Queen of Scots (2018) Discussion > A lot of artistic license - did it make ...

A lot of artistic license - did it make for a better movie?

posted 6 years ago by Magic Slim (66)
5 replies | jump to latest

It is a story begging for reinterpretation and refreshhing with a modern social overlay.

My understanding is that the Queens never met and the seen in the wash house was very theatrical (probabaly stagecraft recognising the background of the director). The sisterhood thing was an interesting take but probabaly not relevant or considered then and were there black and Asian courtiers in those times? Gay and female oppression were also explored - a historical story updated for contemporary themes? What do you think?

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

This is not a story that needs any kind of modern social overlay.

The heart of the story should be about why one queen succeeded and one queen failed. Of course to bring that out you have to show the audience what kind of society both lived in, one that's so little like our own that the social commentary would have to be pretty broad.

[–] Magic Slim (66) 6 years ago

That's a good story in itself - I agree - but I wonder if we are in a time of reimagining by filmmakers. That's not necessarily a bad thing we may just not be prepared to visit a story outside of our world view. It's always happened to a much lesser extent (modern language, behaviours, social mores etc) but there seems to be a theme; The Favorite and Green Book are less extreme examples (well maybe not The Favorite Its quirkiness redirects :-)

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

I'm always prepared to visit a film that's outside my world view - that's what science fiction and historical films are all about! At least the good ones are.

I'm quite aware that not everyone shares my interest, or likes films set in worlds utterly unlike their own.

[–] Martoto (5104) 6 years ago

All movies are about the times they are made in.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

of which this film reflects little.