In Contradiction

For a little while, I had a difficult time watching historically based films because I knew what really happened and noticed when something was wrong.  I even railed about a small change in Shakespeare In Love for a bit.  But in truth, I do have moments where the beauty of the film can override the inaccuracy and I can still get lost in it.  Two of my favorite historical films are Elizabeth  and Young Victoria.  Now both are on English queens and I know my obsession, let it go lol....  Anyway, both films while very good, have some overwhelming discrepancies.  
In Elizabeth, the relationship Queen Elizabeth had throughout her life with Robert Dudley was improperly portrayed and ended abruptly when he was under the employ of Spain. In reality, though Elizabeth and Dudley had their outs, they were close throughout their entire lives.  Perhaps that didn't make for good film.   In Young Victoria, there is a scene where an assassin attempts to kill Victoria early on during her reign.  This event did happen, but the film is much different than the real events.  In reality, Albert, Victoria's husband did not get hurt during the attack, but in the film, he is shot.  A bit more dramatic and a climax of the film to seal their closeness as a married couple.  Victoria and Albert was a devoted couple until Albert's death.


There are things though, about the films that are truly perfect which perhaps relay something important about the characters that dialog and story cannot.  In Elizabeth, its all about color.  The subtle use of pastels and lighter hues when she is young, just a Princess and in contrast, the rich and beautifully intricate designs of things around her once she is queen amplifies the grandeur of her reign.  In Young Victoria, there are moments of simplicity that convey how practical Victoria was... both, while atmospheric... do a lot to tell the story and emphasize things that are important.  




so see... I can like historical inaccuracy when its done right   :D