Elizabeth in Film

Queen Elizabeth I has been famously portrayed by a number of actresses over the years. The iconic Elizabethan look has been recreated by many different makeup artists, each taking their own take on the look.
The role is such a high honour to portray that actresses are willing to shave their hair line and eyebrows to get into the role of Elizabeth.

Fire Over England (1937) and The Sea Hawk (1940)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Flora Robson starred as Queen Elizabeth in 2 films. Both films depict Elizabeth during the time of the armada. Perc Westmore was the Makeup Artist and costume was designed by Orry Kelly and Rene Hulburt. 

The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex (1939) and The Virgin Queen (1955)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Bette Davis also played Elizabeth twice. She was the first actress to commit to the role by shaving her hairline and brows, risking them never growing back. The make up in the 1955 film is far more 'Pantomine' like, as seen above in the photo. In the 1939 film her skin was made to seem thinner and pouches were drew under her eyes which completely transformed the 50's star from what the public usually saw her as. The make up artist for this film is once again Perc Westmore, one of the famous 'Westmore' make up artists. Costume by Orry Kelly.

Elizabeth R (1971)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Glenda Jackson portrayed Elizabeth in this 1971 BBC Series. The six part series followed Elizabeth's life from her brothers reign to her death in 1603. Dawn Alcock and Sandra Shepard were the makeup artists on this mini-series. the makeup on this film is a lot more gruesome than those previously done. As Elizabeth ages the makeup gets thicker and more mask like to represent the changes in her skin that would of happened due to the lead based face paint. however the eyebrows and blush application is in a very 70's style. She endured an arduous makeup routine.

Shakespeare In Love (1998)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Judi Dench played the minor role of Elizabeth in this 1998 Oscar winning film. Although not a lead role a lot of detail and research went into both her costuming and her makeup. Lisa Westcott was the makeup designer. Veronica Brebner was the makeup artist.

 

Elizabeth (1998) and Elizabeth:The Golden Years (2007)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

In this Oscar winning film Cate Blanchett plays Elizabeth I. She, like Bette Davis, also agreed to have her hair line shaved back 3 inches, showing her dedication to the role. Jenny Shircore was the hair and makeup designer. Anita Burger was makeup artist. Jenny went on to win an Oscar for the makeup on this film.

In 2007 Cate reprised her role in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. an older Cate brought a new take on Elizabeth, portraying her personal and political struggles.

The Virgin Queen (2005)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Anne Marie Duff plays Elizabeth in this highly acclaimed TV series.The series chronicled Elizabeth's life from before her succession to her death and is said to be a far more faithful representation of her life than many other films.

she said the makeup restricted her face in ways it wouldn’t normally.  Neill Gorton was responsible for prosthetic makeup. Lauge Voight who sculpted the stomach and breasts. Vicky Bankcroft working on set doing the application. Karon Hartley Thomas was the head Makeup Designer

Elizabeth 1st (2005)

SCREEN QUEENS . Screen Queens: Elizabeth I. Available at: http://www.elizabethi.org/contents/screenqueens/ (Accessed: 5 December 2014).

Helen Mirren plays the queen in her later years representing her personal life and focusing on her relationship with Dudley and his step son the Earl of Essex. Fae Hammons makeup designer, Su westwood, gemma Richards and Jane hope-Kavanagh were the hair and makeup artists.