FMS406SALMONMNEWELIZABETHANS/ Elizabeth Portrayed films.

Queen Elizabeth I is portrayed differently overtime in reproductions of films about her reign over England. With these different versions on the appearance and character of Queen Elizabeth I we see how subtle little changes in make-up and hair can completely change a perception of Queen Elizabeth I and what she actually looked like when she was alive. No one truly knows what Queen Elizabeth physically looked like in this day and age, as she has been said to only invite close friends in her circle to be in her company. Also a lot of perceptions we have of Queen Elizabeth's appearance derives from portraiture of her and not every portrait of Queen Elizabeth, was true to her age.

It can be argued that historically, different portrayals of Queen Elizabeth in film productions are influenced by the year it was made and that hair and make-up design created for the character of 'that Queen Elizabeth', was influenced by fashionable hair and make-up trends of that period.

These are some film references I am going to explore and discuss which give perfect examples of how portrayals of Queen Elizabeth are loosely inspired by something else. Which is quite beautiful if we consider she was a very influential woman of her time and was a trendsetter for over 40 years of her life, and up to this day we are recreating her bold, unique look.

Flora Robson in ‘Fire over England’ 1937.

This film is set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I mainly focusing on England’s victory over the Spanish Armada.

One thing that I first realize in this film is that straight away we see Queen Elizabeth and we are automatically met with an older appearance of the Queen. Although Flora was only 19 at the time of this film, compared to a portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in the Golden Age with Cate Blanchett looks much more youthful and soft were as Flora Robson seems to have a mature face already. I think this is because this film starts at a time when Queen Elizabeth is more settled into her role as Queen of England as it skips the imprisonment she experienced from her sister and the crowning ceremony. Queen Elizabeth’s hair in this film appears to be naturally curly and not as big and full of volume compared to other portrayals of her, she also has a pale complexion that appears flawless but as the film is in black and

white you cannot properly see the details of hair and makeup.

Bettie Davis in ‘The Virgin Queen’ 1955.

In this film the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth is when she is at a much older age as Queen of England. In the film Bettie Davis, who plays the role of Queen Elizabeth has the signature Tudor pale complexion which makes her appear fresh faced and symbolizes beauty, youth and wealth. The portrayal of Queen Elizabeth (Bettie Davis) in this film, consists of her having rich, warm, red hair which stands out against her pale skin. Although also having her hair full of beautiful pearls and adornments, the overall hairstyles created for Queen Elizabeth were very neat and flat compared to the amazing wigs full of volume and accessories she was known to wear.

Her overall eye make-up in this film is very neutral and clean, which fits perfectly with the Tudor style women followed to appear fresh faced and youthful. Something that stands out a lot of Bettie Davis in this film is her forehead, as she has been said to have specially shaved off her eyebrows for the role of Queen Elizabeth. Tudor women favored high foreheads as it symbolized beauty and Intelligence. Her lips are painted a very subtle rogue color to finish the look, keeping the whole face appear youthful and simple.

Glenda Jackson in 'Queen Elizabeth I' 1971.

From the first scene featuring Glenda Jackson, she appears to have a pale complexion that glows, much more flawless and youthful compared to other portrayals of young Queen Elizabeth. Her hair is a warm, red color more ginger then dark red or strawberry blonde and very long in length. Glenda Jacksons, eyebrows stood out to me a lot, as compared to other portrayals of Queen Elizabeth considering hair and make-up design, her brows are very defined and more noticeable, not fair or arched. Throughout the first chapters of the film Glenda Jackson continuously wears a French hood in dark colours, which creates a beautiful contrast against her complexion making her appear even paler. It doesn’t seem like she is wearing any eye makeup or products on her lips as her complexion is all one colour making her face appear flat.

As the film develops, Queen Elizabeth becomes more mature and her forehead and brows become higher and more arched. Her long hair begins to be worn up with jewels and pearls and styled with more volume and curls. In this film series it has been said that, the first use of prosthetics was used for aging when creating Queen Elizabeth’s older appearance. As she ages more during the film series her complexion appears paler and the make-up used seems heavier, also color is present on her lips and cheeks. Although the make-up style presents the late Queen Elizabeth well, the cheeks for me are too perfectly defined and the color used on her cheeks appears to also be on her forehead. As Queen Elizabeth gets older we also see more of her famous wigs she was known to wear with various hairpieces.