To what extent was the film Elizabeth an accurate and faithful account of the main events of Elizabeth's reign? How useful is the medium of film in helping people to understand events of the past?

The film Elizabeth is ambiguous unto whether or not it was faithful. Generally, the outline of the film is correct, but certain factors have been modified and some created to create more drama and interest. However, there are many historical inaccuracies; this is for dramatical purposes, making the film valuable to those who wish to view it for entertainment purposes, rather than educational. Whilst the film gives an outline of events, it cannot be relied …

…factual such as the Spanish Armada, which failed to make the film due to the size of the event. This is done for two reasons - time and dramatization. The average film is only 90 - 120 minutes, this making it difficult for all events to be given in-depth analysis. Dramatization is pivotal to a films success, so many of the less enthralling moments, however essential to the historical plot they may be, have been left out.