Member review

Working Title Films' Mary, Queen Of Scots is a tale of power, independence and loyalty. This historical fiction (meaning that some events may have been added or changed for a dramatic effect, but other events did actually happen) presents the challenges of being a Queen in the 16th century and how important it is to work together, in partnership, to rule. It portrays the consequences of conspiring against the Monarch and highlights the importance of loyalty. It is set over a number of years to allow the narrative to unfold.

The plot is set in different areas of Scotland and England because it is a historical fiction between the Queens of these lands (Mary, Queen Of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I). It could not be set anywhere else, because it would no longer have history, as the storyline occurred in Scotland and England. The narrative is also set in the 16th century as this is when the events would have occurred. The two Queens may have felt more uncomfortable in each other's land because they don't have control over it and the people around them.

Music is used to emphasise and highlight an emotion in the scene. It may mirror how the characters feel. Silence is also used in this way. Both silence and music are used to convey a wide range of emotions that suit the scene. Speech is also well used. Things a character says can also create an atmosphere reflecting their feelings. These different sound techniques are used to portray emotions such as: suspicion, pain and strength. This makes the viewer feel as if they were there when it took place.

Working Title Films' Mary, Queen Of Scots uses colours and clothes of the era because it is a historical fiction and they may want the colours and clothes to be as accurate as possible. Although the film would still be excellent in monochrome, the colours add an extra historical depth as the viewers feel as though they have been transported through time, back to the 16th century.

There are multiple characters with important roles and historical significance, but Mary Queen Of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I are possibly the most important as the narrative is based upon their relationship and reign. The characters behave differently depending on who's land they are in, what they have been told and where they are in the plot.

Close-up shots have been used to portray a character's emotion and long shots are used to give the bigger picture and the scale of an event. If it is a scene of high action or tension, the camera changes quicker than a calmer scene. The point of view changes in different parts of the narrative and viewers see many perspectives, as well as the Queens'.