As if I didn't already spend too much time following links on IMDb, the site recently introduced character pages, which (as one might guess) track the appearance of characters in and across different movies, television shows and video games (thanks to Pop Candy for the heads up). I've been wanting this feature for about as long as I've been using the site — and not simply for yet another excuse to browse (and browse, and browse). It certainly would have come in handy back when I blogged about Young Victoria; instead of racking my own wee brain for other flicks about the Queen, I could have racked the hive mind.

The character page for Mrs. Brown is impressive, but her 26 appearances seem meager when compared to Queen Elizabeth's 57. Since the pages include photos, you can get all of your Virgin-Queen-in-armor needs fulfilled in one convenient place.

Or not. Character pages, including photos and "bios," are compiled by IMDb users, so they're only as thorough or as organized as the fans. As of now, the Golden Age stills (beautiful though they may be) are the only Queen Elizabeth pictures, and she has no biography at all. The user-driven format also means that it's a bit of a popularity contest yet — [warning: link contains spoilers] Starbuck has an incredibly lengthy bio and a handful of quotes, while everyone's favorite wing governor doesn't have a page at all, let alone a record of her many wonderful Helen-isms. … continue reading

For reasons that have been lovingly discussed already, I've been looking forward to Elizabeth: The Golden Age. But for me, Cate Blanchett wasn't the only attraction; I've also been anxious to see Australian actress Abbie Cornish in action as she takes on her highest profile project yet. Some of you may know her from one film that she showed up in — or more accurately, disappeared in — the lesbian-themed The Monkey's Mask.

The last time I was in Australia, I caught part of Somersault, the coming-of-age film that won Cornish acting awards and international notice. I sort of remember Cornish playing a sixteen-year-old girl on a sexual journey (and that it was not a fun one), but what I most recall is being struck by Cornish's beauty and vulnerability on screen. These are qualities she brings to Elizabeth, in which she plays Bess Throckmorton, Elizabeth's favorite lady-in-waiting. … continue reading

I’ve been atwitter about the most unlikely yet somehow most natural of sequels, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, since I first saw its ravishing trailer. Cate Blanchett returning to the role that made her a star nearly a decade ago? Well, that’s just pure cinematic candy.

I don’t care about the mixed-to-middling reviews it has received from the Toronto International Film Festival. Come Oct. 12, I will be knocking on the theater door, ticket in hand. And just like I was with Jodie Foster, I’m also excited about film’s impending opening because it means a media blitz for our incomparable Cate. As the new W magazine cover girl, I’d have to say we’re off to a swimming start. Which she may actually have been doing before this picture was taken, what with her wet T-shirt and all.

In the accompanying article (never mind that other headline about “The Real L Word”; you’ll hear all about that in this week’s Best. Lesbian. Week. Ever.), Cate talks about her initial reluctance to revisit her royal role. … continue reading

My word, how gorgeous does Elizabeth: The Golden Age look? So gorgeous, practically every frame from the trailer could be blown up and used as wallpaper.

The long-in-the-coming follow-up to 1998’s Elizabeth, the movie that put Cate Blanchett on the international and Oscar radar, brings the Virgin Queen back to cinematic glory as the story picks up with her in full reign. … continue reading