Amy Merrick is taking a break this week so Grace thought that maybe another Amy Elizabeth from Williamsburg, Brooklyn might pinch hit! I’ve had Young Victoria in my DVD collection for quite a while. Love Emily Blunt! And, I must say that I’m prone to like any movie where Julian Fellowes is involved (He wrote the script for Gosford Park and had a starring role in one of my guilty pleasures – Monarch of the Glen ). This is one beautiful movie and – except for the corset part – this is the kind of movie that I’d just love to crawl into. Who am I kidding – I’ve never met a period piece that I didn’t like. [image above, clockwise from top left: medieval knights chess set $174.95 (similar to shown), tufted wallpaper, easel and paint kit $98.99, 3 tier server $29.99, vendome gold goblet $17.99, pear drop earrings $81 (similar to shown) sconce $315, iron crown $44]
I love how everything is lightened up – it’s not that heavy Victoriana – this the Queen young and in love and thing (OK, she was probably never as thin as Emily Blunt, but in her later years, she sure could chow!) My favorite part of the movie? Definitely when after her five hour coronation, she actually returns to the palace and gives her beloved pooch – Dash – a bath!
I can't wait to get my copy of the newly released DVD of Young Victoria! In case you haven't checked it out:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment presents the majestic release of the lavish historical drama, The Young Victoria, to Blu-ray Disc and DVD. The Young Victoria chronicles the early and often turbulent years of a young girl who became queen of Great Britain. Victoria was a young girl of barely 18 when she was crowned – vivacious, fond of parties, and prone to flirting with the gentlemen of the court, and even her ministers. The film chronicles the period of Victoria’s early rise to power – highlighting the royal power struggle she fought and her romantic courtship and legendary marriage to Prince Albert.
From the history books and even the movies, we have become accustomed to seeing Queen Victoria portrayed as a frumpy over-weight woman dressed in widow’s black; but now The Young Victoria – teeming with drama, romance, and political intrigue – successfully and magnificently presents a distinctly different perspective of this dynamic British monarch. Golden Globe winner, Emily Blunt (Gideon’s Daughter, The Devil Wears Prada) delivers a grand performance as a burgeoning and fiery young Queen who is dealing with the tumultuous first few years of her reign. The dashing Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice) plays Prince Albert, the suitor who is determined to win her heart and becomes her steadfast partner in one of history’s greatest romances that’s never been told until now in this epic tale of rule and romance.
Actress Miranda Richardson portrays Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent, and, with the help of actor Mark Strong as Sir John Conroy, introduces the audience to the rarely addressed heartrending story of the young queen’s lonely childhood. Moreover, Paul Bettany (Iron Man, The DaVinci Code) is convincing as Victoria’s confidant and court advisor as he maneuvers through the politics and intrigue of the 19th century English court. Princess Beatrice, who is fifth in line to the throne, appears in The Young Victoria in a non-speaking role in scenes showing her great-great-great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria’s coronation.
Award winning costume designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, Shakespeare in Love) won the coveted Oscar for Best Costume Design for this historical 19th century drama. Powell talked about recreating Victoria’s fashions with authenticity:
“Probably one of the longest costumes to complete was Victoria’s Coronation Robe. This was made completely from scratch with us creating the fabric first. Having seen the original in the archive, it was a challenge to recreate this. We did this by buying a plain fabric with a metallic thread in it, then dying it to the right shade of gold, then all the intricate embroidery was recreated by printing and hand painting. The other complicated costumes were all the trains worn by all the women at the formal occasions such as the King’s birthday and the Coronation.”
Regarding the frothy yellow silk gown worn to the King’s birthday early in the story, Powell explains, “This dress is worn to the banquet to celebrate the King’s birthday. Victoria is still a princess and under the control of her domineering mother. Consequently the dress is designed to make her look young, more girly and not as sophisticated as the dresses she wears once she has become Queen.”
The Young Victoria was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y); written by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park); produced by The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Martin Scorsese (The Departed), Tim Headington (Edge of Darkness) and Graham King (The Aviator).
Welcome to Moonlight Court--so named because of my interest in the color and whimsy of Marie Antoinette's court, as well as my propensity to keep my blog up to date by the light of the moon. Please enjoy my musings on Inspiration, Art, Music, Movies, and Creative Living, etc.
Please also enjoy my favorite hobby--American Revolutionary War reenacting, and the many photos that I have taken. If you are interested in using a photo for personal or commercial purposes, please email me at "revwarphotos" on my gmail account. Thanks!
Amy Merrick is taking a break this week so Grace thought that maybe another Amy Elizabeth from Williamsburg, Brooklyn might pinch hit! I’ve had Young Victoria in my DVD collection for quite a while. Love Emily Blunt! And, I must say that I’m prone to like any movie where Julian Fellowes is involved (He wrote the script for Gosford Park and had a starring role in one of my guilty pleasures – Monarch of the Glen ). This is one beautiful movie and – except for the corset part – this is the kind of movie that I’d just love to crawl into. Who am I kidding – I’ve never met a period piece that I didn’t like. 
I love how everything is lightened up – it’s not that heavy Victoriana – this the Queen young and in love and thing (OK, she was probably never as thin as Emily Blunt, but in her later years, she sure could chow!) My favorite part of the movie? Definitely when after her five hour coronation, she actually returns to the palace and gives her beloved pooch – Dash – a bath! 
Posts
