The Virgin Queen

[JenoWhatIMean]

Just to contribute...made the idiotic mistake of starting VQ part 2 an hour and a half before I had to leave for the airport for Thanksgiving, which meant tearing myself away in the middle of Hans' portion of the film...Lord was that hard to do! And still haven't found a good time to watch the rest (good time meaning bf not around :-) anyway...LOVE IT so far! this is the best all around "Hans de force" (groan, does that work?) we've seen in a long time! I kept my mouth shut about Nero, didn't want to be negative, but I was disappointed in the production value, it didn't show anyone off well at all, including Hans, but this is light years different! Amazing what happens when you get him in the right part, and, I assume, with a director who knows how to use him! Oh, and Yes Gigi, that line! I gasped when she said that! I'm not sure I've ever heard a zinger as sharp as that one!
Has anyone mentioned the duel? Loved that!
Sounds like this will rival Mordred, perhaps surpass it...he clearly gets more screentime.
More later when I've seen the rest...

[Gg]

hey, so, when you do finish I want to hear your take on the music because it reminded me a bit of "Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead" which is my favorite film -- so thought it was kind of groovy, but I'm betting you'll have another opinion. If nothing more to play devil's advocate. Particularly when ... well ... I won't spoil it now, because I've been trying to restrain, as many spoilers as I've already given. I'd also love you, Shars, (if you are still posting! COME BACK) to comment, being the soundtrack guru amongst us.

[JenoWhatIMean]

The music itself was kind of cool, I got used to the main theme that plays again and again and grew to like it...but I think it was a terrible mix. Like someone turning on a stereo with the volume set too high. It's jarring, doesn't blend, doesn't feel like it's part of the film. Compare to Stella, where the soundtrack fit so beautifully, seamlessly, the scene in the swimming pool...wish Coky was available for Q&A...

[Shars]

Hey—whaddya know Gg! Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead is one of my favorites too! I suppose great minds not only think alike, but they have the same taste in films too. Ah the sweet synchronicity of it all. Now if only we could use our powers for good, not evil….

I know, I know, I've been a lookie-loo for too long now. Too much going on right now for me to post much, but I did make time to see VQ. As always, the music is the first thing I pick apart when watching a film, and this was no exception. Old habits die hard!

I completely agree with Jeno—the mix was awful. The sound editor should be tied up and forced to listen to his own work. One word for the guy—LEVELS (oh, and TRANSITIONS should be thrown in while we're at it)! Learn to love them! Hopefully this will be fixed for the DVD release.

The music itself was a very pleasant surprise! So many of these period pieces suffer from what I call "Carmina Burana Syndrome," meaning that every effort is made to make the music sound big and pompous and important like Carl Orff's masterpiece (to match the scope of the film). However, its REALLY difficult to pull that off and best left to the people who know what they're doing. Too many really good films were ruined for me by heavy-handed orchestration or uncounterbalanced bass—YUK! Lots of instruments and use of too many contrasting contrapuntal lines can make anything sound like mud. But I get too technical…

Luckily, whomever did the music (I didn't catch the name) knew that that wasn't what this film needed and went the completely opposite way. I thought it sounded a little like rock and roll organum! Kind of a pseudo-period effect (trouvere, troubadour and minnesinger tradition) but with electric guitars and some pretty funky beats. I never would have thought to put these together, but it really worked! It seemed that Coky was trying to make Liz's story more "relevant" and accessible to today's viewer, so the modernization of the score was an excellent move. Kudos to the music team! Now if only we could convince her to give Hans more screen time !

[JenoWhatIMean]

So does anyone know exactly what Hans is saying during the beheading scene..."When I hold my arms thus...." It sounds like "I am with you." Any other interpretations?

[Robin]

I found the soundtrack score to be one of the best Masterpiece Theatre scores of all time (but NOT as good as Einaudi's Zhivago - the Zhivago score is insurmountable ).

If anyone's interested in the main performers, they are

-Mediaeval Baebes
-Dessislava Stefanova and the London Bulgarian Choir

[JenoWhatIMean]

Medieval Babes....love it! And it really is an amazing soundtrack. I hear it in my head more and more. I just hope, as Shars said, that they get the mix right for the DVD release.

[Virgil Reality]

Some reviews are up on the PBS Masterpiece Theatre forum and, man, are they negative Seems they are mostly talking about the first episode (and won't be back for the second) They HATED the music.

Of course they all loved, and compared this to, "Elizabeth R" but they sound like the age of people who loved it the first time round (and probably haven't even seen it recently. The same audience who loved the original DZ) It sounds to me like this production was more geared to a modern audience than the Masterpiece Theatre crowd.

Then again, those who loved it LOVED it. Is this one of those productions you either love or hate?

And no mention of Hans? No new members come to join us as a result of this production? Even Nero brought along new fans. What's with that? Was the MD approach a bit much for people to embrace, to separate the character from the actor?

Grr It's long time till the end of February

[Robin]

In America, for the past few years, pbs has been a target of political and religious hatred.

I'm sure that had a lot to do with the comments on the pbs site. People are looking for any excuse to attack pbs programming.

[Virgil Reality]

So does anyone know exactly what Hans is saying during the beheading scene..."When I hold my arms thus...." It sounds like "I am with you." Any other interpretations?

"When I hold my arms thus, I am ready"

[Virgil Reality]

Thanks to Daisy who sent this link to the Virgin Queen production notes

www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/12_december/29/virgin_matheson.shtml

There are links to the other actors interviews too and what looks like the official site, which is not yet live.
Strangely, all the other actors have a picture psted Grr


Looks like Gigi was totally right about the bipolar thing.

And once again, Hans reaches into the world of music for his inspiration. Before you read it, see if you can guess!

And may I take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I wish for you everything that you wish for yourself.

[JenoWhatIMean]

Awesome article...what he said about needing to be completely over the top and melodramatic for it to work...I think must be what he decided to do for Mordred. It works, and he does it so well. And it takes such conviction and courage! It's what made me a fan in the first place.

[Virgil Reality]

He does sound very upbeat in that article - lots of 'he smiles', 'he grins', etc.

This viewer sure picked up on the rockstar connection

[Virgil Reality]

OK Brits, don't forget this coming Sunday 12th February to tune in to BBC1 for Episode Four of the Virgin Queen.

There's a short clip now up on the BBC's Virgin Queen website - with Hans in it of course. But no picture or any character info for Essex. What the? He's one of the main characters. I've emailed the BBC asking why this is. I suggest others do the same. Let them know we're only watching this because of Hans.



Sucking up to QE1



Flashing a bit of tummy

Question: Did episode Three end with the Earl of Essex making his first appearance at court?

[carla]

Yes it did. I can't wait for next week!

I was a bit scared though when i saw the queen in the preview for next week, she looks quite frightening as an old woman i think!