ELIZABETH  (1998)  **1/2

Reviewed 12/18/98

Sumptuous lighting and set design provide a gorgeous look for this court intrigue story about the Virgin Queen Elizabeth's ascension to the throne. Cate Blanchett as Elizabeth shows both the Queen's initial naivete and her later passion to rule with exquisite delicacy. Geoffrey Rush is equally good as her most loyal advisor, the vigilant and ruthless Francis Walsingham. Unfortunately, the story suffers from a resolution that seemingly could have been implemented at any time. Shekhar Kapur's overdirection and Joseph Fiennes stiff performance as Elizabeth's lover don't help.