Broadsheet Trailer Park: Mary, Queen Of Scots

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What you may need to know:

1. Saoirse Ronan REALLY likes doing period dramas. After almost winning her Oscar in last year’s grungy drama Lady Bird, she’s back on home turf in the meaty role of Mary Stuart, 16th-century ruler of Scotland who briefly attempted to usurp Elizabeth I. She was first announced for the role way back in 2012.

2. That role is played by Margot Robbie, also very much on the hunt for awards after coming close in last year’s I, Tonya.

3. As with that movie, you can see here her continuing effort to be “taken seriously as an actor” (I say that in all seriousness) through the use of makeup and prosthetics that play up Lizzy’s skin condition, (*googles*) which was a result of her contracting smallpox in 1562.

4. The screenplay is by Beau Willimon, creator of Netflix’s House of Cards. Of all the things that have been said about that show, I don’t recall it being singled out for its silky dialogue.

5. There’s Guy Pearce at 1.46, one of the most underrated and underused actors out there. Should be in more things, and better things. David Tennant is in there somewhere too, concealed beneath a great big bushy beard. Not sure if Lord Flashheart will make an appearance.

6. Directed by Josie Rourke, who is making her screen debut after a strong 20-year theatre career.

7. I have a vague recollection of seeing a drama about this historic rivalry before, but nothing about it other than that. Anyone?

8. This trailer walks a peculiar line between historical thriller and a starchy period drama, but seems to try a little hard on both counts without really taking off. Two proven terrific leads will make it worth a watch, but there’s always a risk that they’re better than the material.

Doug’s verdict: Lavish.

Release date: January tbc (in time for awards season)

Previously: The Envelope, Please

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14 thoughts on “Broadsheet Trailer Park: Mary, Queen Of Scots

  1. small ads

    Briefly? Scarcely! And strictly speaking she had a better claim to the throne than the (by the nutty laws of those days, as compared to the equally nutty royal succession laws of today) illegitimate Ellizabeth, daughter of the bigamous marriage of Henry and Anne.

    1. Elm wood

      Strictly speaking as Henry VII their common ancestor was also from an illegitimate line neither of them had a valid claim

  2. newsjustin

    “Mary Stuart, 16th-century ruler of Scotland who briefly attempted to usurp Elizabeth I.”

    Mary had no need to usurp Elizabeth, since she was the rightful heir.

    I assume point 7) is a gag?

  3. Pat

    5. Lord Flashheart won’t make an appearance because Rik Mayall is dead.

    7. You’re the reviewer. Do your own research ya bum

  4. Andyourpointiswhatexactly?

    I’ve just gone down a wikipedia hole about multiple ear piercings back in those days.

    1. Andyourpointiswhatexactly?

      “Cheer up, luv! Might never happen.”
      Makes me want to flick a guy on the aul jap’s eye when I hear that.
      No offence, obv.

  5. Nigel

    It’s possible you’re thinking of Shekhar Kapur’s Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett. Kathy Burke played Mary Tudor, though that’s a different Mary from Mary Queen of Scots. She did turn up in the sequel, played by Samantha Morton, but it wasn’t as good, and I don;t remember how big a role it was.

  6. Amorphous Kerry Blob

    Random Oscar prediction: Ronan will get another nomination, but will lose out to Lady Gaga.

    But even if she loses out again, she’s bound to be officially crowned the new Meryl Streep with all the nominations under her belt. This will involve a ceremony and a giant Wicker effigy of Meryl.

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