Queen Margot

945 Words2 Pages

Through the use of two main characters in the film, Queen Margot, a critical examination will be made to further understand the importance of developing characters and their respected standard historical interpretations. By heavily characterizing the protagonist, Margaret of Valois, audience members were given the ability to identify with her. Similarly, the Queen regent, Catherine de Medici remained heavily mythologized in the film to advance the plotline. The overall success of the film can thereby be attributed to the prominence of the representation of historical figures.

The filmmakers modernized the characterization of Margaret of Valois allowing audiences to have the ability to relate with historical characters. From the beginning of the film, Margaret is portrayed as a pawn in the hands of her family by having to comply to an arranged marriage with a Protestant, Henry of Navarre (Chéreau, Queen Margot). Catherine organized the marriage alliance in 1572. (Durkee 67). This submissive behaviour allows the audience to connect and empathize with Margaret. Even in the final scenes of the movie, the audience is left sympathizing with Margaret as she rides away in the carriage with her dead lover, La Mole’s head on her lap (Humbert 231). The audience has followed Margaret’s journey, all the while sharing similar emotions and interacting with her character. This demonstrates the importance of developing the character of Margaret of Valois even if historical accuracy is sacrificed (Humbert 225). Thus, modernizing the story is critical in order to evoke emotions and allow for historical interpretation of the real Margaret.

Margaret of Valois in Queen Margot undergoes a transformation from a seductress to a virtuous woman as a...

... middle of paper ...

...cholars Journal 7.1 (2003): 61-69. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Hearsey, John, Salmon, McMillan and Bakos, Adrianna. Politics, Ideology, and the Law in Early Modern Europe. New York: University of Rochester Press, 1995. Web.

Humbert, Bridgitte. “Emotion, Modernization, and the Female Emancipation in Patrice Chereau’s Queen Margot.” Quarterly Review of Film and Video 19.3 (2002): 223- 235. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

Queen Margot. Dir. Patrice Chéreau. Miramax Films. 1994. Film.

Sutherland, Nicole Mary. “Catherine de Medici: The Legend of the Wicked Italian Queen.” The Sixteenth Century Journal 9.2 (1978): 45-56. Web. 11 Nov. 2013.

Wilson, Charles. “The Massacre of St. Bartholomew and the European Conflict, 1559-1572.” Rev. of The Massacre of St. Bartholomew and the European Conflict, 1559-1572, by N.M Sutherland. The Historical Journal 1973: 635-637. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

Open Document