Helen Mirren is the only actresses that can play Queen Elizabeth 1 & ll. Just take a look at the scene where she hesitated to sign Mary of Scots' death sentence in HBO's Elizabeth. It would give you chills.
Shadows, and shadows of shadows...being alive is punishment enough for this creature. For the others, kill them as I have said. I want them alive when you cut out their hearts and bowels. I mourn more for the death of one good and faithful man than I do for twenty traitors. And now with those I love across the seas risking their lives for my life, I tell you I want to hang those conspirators myself.
So, do you think because I am slow to make war that I am merciful? Do you think women, kinder than a man, are more gentle? I'll tell you gentlemen, we women have forgotten more about cruelty than you could ever remember. What we do not like is lies. Why should I not hang you as well as the fellow catholics you duped? And I tell you sir we'll hang them on a whim before we cut them open for a traitors death....
