Dr Kat Reviews The Favourite with Jamie 

Dr. Kat and Jamie, you two are too adorable!!

I would love to see you guys cover your thoughts on the show the Tudors. Maybe a series on the accuracies and inaccuracies per season..? ☺️🤔

Overall, I liked the film - how could you not like Olivia Colman's performance in this? Regarding Queen Anne, any woman who not only had 17 pregnancies, with all of the live-born children dying before age 11, would have some serious emotional ups-and-downs. The physical changes alone would have been something to deal with. Plus, after the first few losses, I'm guessing she had great anxiety about the health of the pregnancies and losing more children. I have much empathy for her...I had one pregnancy and the emotional changes that came after my son was born lasted for 2-3 months. And one great big thing on her plate...she was the Queen with great responsibility. You made me want to read more historical accounts of her life. I enjoy your channel!!!

I do believe film makers have a duty to follow truth in referencing any historical knowledge used in producing films. My enjoyment when watching a show is hampered when I see/hear incorrect references. When I see this happen when following through the film (what ever fact is wrong) these incidents are glaring. I am pondering on them until I pull myself back to the show.

The power of films and tv series to shape people's understanding of history should not be underestimated... the numbers of people I know who saw Amadeus and believe that Salieri killed Mozart, or watched Titanic and believe that the lower class passengers were locked down below while the ship sank - contrary to the inquest findings! These mythologisings of known historical fact become the received wisdom... I don't mind a certain amount of story telling because this is entertainment - but discounting, changing or distorting key facts (like Dr Kat's note of the inaccuracies in The Tudors TV series) really doesn't do a public service. If films or TV series are "loosely" based on fact and are un- or a-historical there should be a clear disclaimer at the beginning that it is fiction....

I’d love to see a video, if you have not already done one, that is about Queen Ann in detail. I’m USA born and raise, and while I have heard of many of England’s / UK’s Kings and Queens, the only Queen Anne I have ever heard of what King Henry the VIII’s second wife Anne Boleyn. I’d love to learn more about the Queen Anne discussed in this review.

Your husband comes across as very intelligent. I really like your videos with him!

I find myself wondering what the pair of you might have thought of the BBC program "Gentleman Jack."

I am so glad you mentioned that bit from the Tudors, it's always bothered me, too. I can appreciate creative re-tellings of history, but not so much illogical ones. I am really curious to see The Favourite after watching your review of it. Your husband's perspective is really helpful as well. Thanks!

Dr Kat, you and your husband are absolutely fascinating, a perfect pair! I think it's so wonderful that you are both so into history and it's really great to watch you discuss these figures and I do also enjoy hearing the truths be how they were portrayed in this film. Cheers!

Just wondering, is there a reason you chose not to address the historical accuracy (or lack there of) to allegations of Anne being a lesbian? It was heavily featured in the movie but there doesn’t seem to be strong evidence or agreement on this fact in literature I’ve read. Thanks for the video!

The scene that stood out (spoiler alert!) for me was Abigail and the rabbit toward the end; it made clear Abigail's true character as NOT the sweet heroine she once seemed. I'm glad I saw the film alone because my one rabbit-loving friend would have screamed.

I love the fact you and your husband separately love my two favorite subjects. History and film. I love the director Yorgos Lanthimos. Hes got a really distinct filming method. You guys should check out some of his other movies. His characters are always so monotone in the way they talk but I think it adds to the absurdity of humanity themes prevalent in all his movies. Two of my favorites besides 'The Favorite' are 'The Lobster' and 'The Killing of a Sacred Deer'. Theyre not for everyone though. His movies are all pretty weird and outside the box. Film buffs should appreciate them though.

I came out of the cinema thinking, gosh, I would have hated to be Anne, & I would have hated to be portrayed like that😳

I saw The Favourite and the duck racing made sense to me and did seem historically accurate - I live in the Nottinghamshire/Lincolnshire border and we have duck racing as part of our traditional celebrations and recreation in many villages in this area. As far as I’m aware it is a very old tradition. However, I am not a historian 😁 Thank you for your channel, Dr Kat! I’m very glad I found it.

Dr. Kat, would you consider speaking about Sir Walter Raleigh? Years ago I saw a movie and I believe it starred Betty Davis and Errol Flynn, and the writers suggested that Queen Elizabeth I was in love with him. I would love to hear you speak on this period of history. Thank you.

Yes, to your comment about how in The Tudors, Henry's sister marrying the King of Portugal, but not only that, IIRC, they had reduced his two sisters to him having only one. And the one that they got rid of was Margaret. So all of her descendants, including the current monarch and her family, would have been impossible. That was too much for me although I did enjoy The Tudors for the most part. Still deciding whether to check this one out because I like some of the talent in this movie, and you and Jamie are recommending it and because your review is so in-depth. Thanks so much to you both!

I found the film a Fellini version of history; visually sumptuous, historically inaccurate (denim did not exist at the time, but it's an interesting idea). I would think Anne had more personal dignity. Sarah Churchill would not have worn pants, ever. (And in fact they looked too long; the men accurately wore knee length breeches). Nor would her husband say "I will be 'fine"" when going off to war. (A quibble, i know, but it was jarring.) The late, the great costume historian Anne Hollander describes and proves the inevitable impossibility of seeing the naked body without the filter of contemporary clothing, or the inaccuracy of historical dress in her wonderful book, "Seeing Through Clothes." No matter how "accurate," costumes and hairstyles are inevitably viewed through and created to reflect modern dress. (Don't believe it? Just look at the film of "Tom Jones." Tom's hair is pure 1960s. The minor characters are allowed more accuracy. But if the film were made today the costumes would be very different. We're probably far enough away from it not to be bothered, but if we'd seen it in the 70s or 80s it wold have looked wrong.) Jamie is clearly a great guy.

Jamie's idea of the queen as a servant to her people is powerful

Also it’s not an up and coming film but would love to hear your views on the film Anne of the thousand days the original with Richard burton xx

It looked great. Marvellous cinematagraphy. The performances were so good ...but .... I think it thoroughly defamed the character of Abigail Hill as a schemer, who was using sex to manipulate the queen, which really annoyed me .. The 'grotesquery', particularly as depicted in the ridiculous ballroom scene also put me off. I saw no need for it, and overall I disliked the film.

The Favourite got me into the Brittish monarchy and now I’m addicted. I now binch Horrible Histories, your channel, Timeline etc 👌😅/ A Swede Ps check out our first ”protestant” king Gustav Vasa who came into rule after the Stockholm blood bath in 1520. He is almost the archetype of Henry Vlll, ripping the monasteries, bincheating, rivalry children, bad tempered etc. 🇸🇪

Maybe they merge the two both the French &Spanish since she was betrothed to Charles V and the French King.LoL They made Anne Look like a puppet to Sarah Churchill.

I found myself nodding and saying yes!!!Here in the states I wish we were done with party politics...she was right all that long ago! I thought they made her very frivolous and I think it vastly demeaning.

I didn’t realize the servants wore denim. I thought their costumes were just a rough-spun type fabric that people of that class would wear in the period. I watched the movie several times and think it’s funny I’m just now seeing the denim because you pointed it out!!! Love this channel so much!!

As a professor & Ph.D. I also tell my undergraduate students that we PhD’s have special magical powers!!!

This is so great! Your hubby is v. Cool and such a good foil for you! I am keen to see more of your reviews and will scroll through your titles to find more! If you ever get back to the cinema now that you are new parents, I would love to hear more! Thanks for sharing your hubby with us.

I think the choice for the Tudors to make Margaret marry the King of Portugal is because they started the pilot with Francis being on the throne of France, which meant that King Louis XII was already dead and to put a love story for Charles they added that story. Usually series record a pilot if that it's successful, then they get to film more episodes - so they already make that mistake and they had to find a way to save it. Honestly, I think merging Margaret and Mary into one person was the worst mistake of the series. In later episodes -season 3 and 4 - Henry keeps mistaken the King of Scotland, he mentions his cousin being on the throne, then he says his nephew was on the throne and in later episodes, he goes back to saying his cousin is on the throne - probably the writers realized that they couldn't put Henry's nephew on the throne, because in the series he only has a sister so his sister never married King James and never became Queen of Scotland.

I am almost half way through this and I found this movie extremely uncomfortable. Historically it is completely inaccurate. It is an insult to Queen Anne. Queen Anne had 17 children who all died. Her husband was very ill, even so, she slept beside him in his bed every night. She LOVED him. She was not a lesbian - not that there is anything wrong with that, it is just historically inaccurate. Why not make a picture about how much Anne loved her husband, her suffering and his death. It would have been a timeless love story, and very unusual because Royals usually have their own bedroom, therefore sleep apart. Anne's story is one of devotion, and undying love. This movie is a complete fabrication of the truth using fornication to fill the movie houses, and throwing dirt over the truth that is.

I have never even heard of Queen Anne is it because she was a Stewart? I am a Scott and would love to know more about her. After nineteen pregnancies you wouldn't be in the best shape poor thing. You two are great together

Please don't forget that 'The Favourite' was brought to you by and through the "artistic" eyes of Greek Art film director Yorgos Lanthimos. Who made 'The Lobster' [2015] one of the most absurd movies of the last 10 years!!! Where even the Actors don't know or understand where he is trying to go..... I don't think Queen Ann got what she was deserving of 😔. That said as an former Theater/Costume design student: I loved the costumes and the laser cut out "lace". Which can NOT' be said of the movie 'Mary Queen of Scots' [2018]. Boy, that was BAD on the: Historical Facts/Portrayal/Costumes/Hair&Make-up front 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

Great content as usual. A tear formed in an eye here when Jamie said he would also tie your hair in a bow

The White Queen and follow up the White Princess??

in the States Queen Anne is mostly known for a war (Queen Anne's War-the American theater of War of Spanish succession) and a style of furniture

What a lovely couple. Very much enjoyed this review of the film. I particularly found the fleshing out of Queen Anne very illuminating, much of which I did not know. Looking forward to more and more of your wonderful videos. Be well.

I really enjoy these videos of the two of you - mind you I enjoy all your videos! Lucy Worsley did an excellent show on Queen Anne in which she dispels much of the image of forgotten and dismissed Anne that we have today. Thank you, as always, for your excellent insights.

Been putting this one off cos I didnt know if I'd enjoy, but I Love this! What's the possibility of you two doing Marie Antoinette at some point? Love the channel! Keeping me sane last few months 😊❤

George Washington was the only U.S. president to not belong to a political party. He believed they caused unnecessary division in nations based on his observation of the rifts caused by political parties in England during the 17th and 18th centuries. Throughout his political life and until his death in 1799 he thought the country could and should function without political parties. From his farewell address ~ September 17, 1796-- However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust domination."

So, do we ever get to see your husband again? 🙋❣️ I love your show very much 🥰 I new a little British history but your channel has proved to be very informative and interesting! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 😸

Because she had lupus (which I have too) which is why she couldn’t appear in public much (documentary). Which was misdiagnosed as gout because the later stages of lupus has the same symptoms. Some types of lupus becomes extremely painful.

I realize this comment is years too late, but just saw your video. Also, I only just found The Favourite on line as I live abroad and was not able to see it in a movie house. I had very much wanted to see this movie as I knew about the Oscar awards and, from snippets I saw, it looked very promising. SO, I was extremely disappointed when I finally got to view it! I hated it! I found it unnecessarily sexually provocative without any clear reference to historical fact, including the made up bunnies story. I want my historical movies to be as far as possible accurate to the times characters lived. For example you made mention of servants wearing denim. "May 20, 1873 an historic day: the birth of the blue jean. It was on that day that Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis obtained a U.S. patent on the process of putting rivets in men's work pants for the very first time." I doubt then it could have been the fabric used by servants in that period. Also, it is widely believed that the reason behind Queen Anne's 18 miscarriages and stillborn children was because she suffered from antiphospholipid syndrome, an immune disorder that turns the body against itself. I could go on but I would not recommend this film, and, as one who tends to watch historical movies several times, if the acting is exceptional, I would not want to see it again despite the excellent acting. Oh, I only just got to see Gentleman Jack on line as well. Not sure about its historical accuracy, but I liked it. It portrayed an extraordinary, intelligent, dynamical female at a time in history when women were still somewhat repressed. I found both films on fmovies.pub/film/gentleman-jack.oo25z/nrnq64l

I think the reason they had Margaret marry the king of Portugal in " The Tudors" instead of the king of France was because of the rivalry the set up between Henry and Louis later on in the series. It was too complicated to explain that the old king of France died and his son took over for average watchers, I think. Better to include a completely separate country and dynasty then just throw it away. This way when the rivalry between the two young kings starts up, there's nothing muddling the fun. Just my opinion, of course.

Dear Dr. Kat, my knowledge of history is by no means as extensive as yours and when I watch historical fiction it's upsetting when they take 'liberties' with facts.

i thought this was a boring movie, i didnt think much of the story line, it seemed disjointed

The story itself was interesting on its own however, I would argue that it is the superb acting by these outstanding actresses that made the film a success. When I imagine inferior actors with less skill in these roles it’s easy to see it not working as well. Btw GB produces the finest actors and actresses in the world, bar non (I’m not referring to Emma stone (American), it may have been deliberate On the part of the filmmakers but I actually thought her character or her acting or both a bit annoying. Lately I’ve found that I’m almost exclusively choosing things to watch that are British casts.

You two are soooo cute! I found the score to the movie jarring and uncomfortable which, i suppose, was the intention. That said, I only watched it for Sarah Churchill. What a woman!

This video just showed up in my playlist..Dr Kat thank you so much...I saw this movie and loved it...I learned that Queen Anne was much more than what she portrayed...now i what to learn more about her !!

Regarding the conclusion that the film gives Anne short shrift: watch it again. At the end, it's Anne who asserts her power and dominates. She may not be as intelligent or as clever as the women who thought they were controlling her, but she's the QUEEN. She wields real power, and she doesn't sell herself short. In the end, she's in charge.

I do not think that 'Anne would qualify as born gay, circumstances of trauma, continued loss and deliberate targeting of two very power hungry women all lead, in my view to her attempts for emotional comfort, and eventual sexual intimacy with a woman would not leave her pregnant and the resulting misery of losing another child. Her emotional balance was seriously an issue and leaving her vuneralble to being controlled by these women.

I didn't care for it..and would not watch it again..depressing.Quuen Anne looked pathetic and you didn't address the elephant in the film

I have just watched the Favourite. I had not seen that the maids were wearing denims! I immediately searched your channel to see if you had made a video about Queen Anne (I'm French and she was totally forgotten by my History teacher at the University while I was studying English). I am glad you pointed out that she was very interested by the State and attended the councils. I felt a bit sad to see how 'pathetic' the movie portrayed her, but not knowing the truth I was waiting for the end to fact check it. So thank you also to show how visionary she has been as regards parties ruling for their own sake and not England. I learnt a lot once more thanks to you. I like when you involve your husband! I was wondering if the favourites were really her mistresses or if that is part of the legend.

You mentioned Charles II, have you reviewed The Libertine with Johnny Depp?

Great video another reason why I think Queen Anne is a forgotten Monarch was because of her father James II and his somewhat ill fated reign - he was very much persona non grata and while the reign of William and Mary followed again their reign is often "glossed over" because it was an Invasion albeit by invitation and we are very reluctant to admit to it

Oh you guys are so cute together. I laughed so hard when you did your little "having a doctorate gives you magical powers" bit.

Queen Ann was the true mother of Great Britain. The union happened under her reign. Yes, she reigned over the end of the Stuarts, but the very beginnings of the Empire. I think I will have to see this movie.

Time period: She had already had 16 pregnancies. That's a place or time in the story of where they start, perhaps. Imo

Quite the combinations, film, history, and differing perspectives! Enjoyed!

I didn’t know about the denim and didn’t notice it. It was created for working clothes originally, so it fits with the servants.

This movie makes me sad for anne knowing what happened to her makes me it makes me wonder what would happen if Stuart's had a chance to rule

So entertaining! Let’s hear Jamie speak French 😊

Ooo I'm so looking to see if you have done The White Queen

Do you think the film was fair or actuate in its depiction of Anne’s relationships with Sarah and Abigail?

I always enjoy Jamie and your interactions and perspectives

So Winston Churchill, one of Britain's most outstanding PMs, as a descendant of the "first" Churchill fits in quite well with Churchill as depicted in the film.

I watched this one. It revealed the queen had a dark side combined with a yearning to be loved unconditionally, which she knew because of her title was hard to do.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the film the duchess as well as on the big character of Sarah Churchill from this current review of the favourite

Dr. Kat, what did you think of "The Last Duel"?

Also I really enjoyed this episode you guys should do more like this 👍👍

Yes, the number discrepancy puzzled me too.

I really enjoyed listening to both of you today. Please do more to together.

Your husband summed it up well. I had similar thoughts about it.

A programme on Francois 1 would be interesting

You should review The Young Victoria!

It is so cute seeing you two together that is what love looks like for sure

I read the bio upon which "The Favourite" was based , oh gosh, a couple of years before the film came out. Definitely agree with you and Jamie. DH praises Queen Anne because the Treaty of Utrecht allowed his German ancestors to come to colonial America. She is smarter than she is given credit for. The poor women, constantly preggers and unable to lose the weight and additional female health issues and crappy care.

Greatly enjoying this video!

I utterly loved seeing the two of you please do more

Hallo,Dr.Kat, there is a RU-vidr named Karolina Zebrowska who is deep into historical correct costumes.Her taking of the very different fashions of the 19th century was very educational,correct and entertaining.I never knew that fashion changed so much and so often at that time! Maybe it's an idea to look into her channel and perhaps someday a colaboration? Greetings!

Honestly what was with the rabbits!!!!!!!!!!!! Costumes, Yes! Yes! Yes! story line, was honoured well. Location... AMAZING Cast, WOW. Acting, SENSATIONAL!!!!! I just don't think the sexuality issue needed to be as blatant as it was, because Ann's real issues were depression, addiction, loneliness, and largely ignorance. Queen Ann's lack of formal education is the real reason she was easily misled and manipulated. This really deserved to be explored more.

Great dialogue on Queen Anne

I had no idea the servants' clothes were denim. I didn't realize the costumes were done "economically." To me they seemed very expressionistic which fits with the tone of the film. I didn't know anything about Queen Anne. I thought Olivia Coleman's performance was so brave and excellent. She wasn't afraid to be a middle aged woman, exposed and vulnerable (same as she acts in the Crown by the way). It was really interesting to hear a historian's perspective on this fantastic film. For those that liked The Favourite, there's a show about Catherine The Great (called The Great) which has the same style and tone as The Favourite.

I hadn’t heard of this movie, but I’m really fascinated by this part of history. Can you recommend any books (historical rather than fiction) that cover Queen Anne’s reign? I’d quite like to see the movie for the costume and aesthetics. Even if it’s not historically accurate it’s appears very visually appealing. However I don’t think I can get it in Australia...

Have you reviewed The Other Boleyn Girl? Oh the inaccuracies.

Love hearing from you both. ❤

New to your channel. Love the “Historical” movie break down with you and your husband. I hope you do more. You could do movies from earlier times also. Not just new ones. Have you seen Lady Jane? It stars Helena Bonham Carter.

Thank you for this video. I agree with your opinion about Queen Ann’s portrayal. I would really like to hear your opinion about new adaptation of “Emma”. Greetings form Poland!

The missing husband did make me wonder.

In the musical, Hamilton, there is a profound line that goes "who lives, who dies, who tells your story". Meaning that your assumed role or given credit is prescribed by the point of view of who provides your story to those in the future who don't know it. And though I agree with that line, it irritates me as well because Lin-Manuel Miranda (through this very popular musical) rips to shreds the legacy of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson through intentional inaccuracies and belittling. As for The Favorite, I knew absolutely nothing about Queen Anne and you're right when you say that she was forgotten. It wasn't easy to even find information about her. the way she came across to me was someone who was totally incompetent, probably suffering from depression, and very possibly on the verge of going mad. It sounds as if that were far from the case.

I would LOVE if this included clips of watching it live! That would be perfect. - obviously, if you watch it at home

Thank you for the review. 15 mins in, I definitely will NOT waste my money on this move. ....not even $1 at the Red-box.

I couldn't get into the film at all, I don't know why, maybe I need a re-watch. Fascinating to learn about the costumes though, I didn't notice it was denim at all!

Such a sweet couple. ❤️❤️❤️

Pls review The Duchess with Keira Knightly (2008).

I want to see more of the two of you.

I’d agree I don’t think Queen Anne is remembered much I wasn’t aware about her really without looking into it

The only thing we know about Queen Anne in the states is the Architectural designation and some furniture 😂

In reference to Anne / Anne's life my, late grandmother once told me that from the days of her schooling (the 1930's) she seem to have remembered being told that (Winston) Churchill had a relation name, "John (Churchill). Q: might it have been the SAME "John Churchill" that was a part of QA's family / lineage? AND IF, that is the case would that be the source of WC's connection to the Duke or family of Marlborough? Am I way off-base on this one? Forgive my naivety, all. Am an American history buff who has studied bits / pieces of British history.

Your both Great

You two are so sweet together ❤️

I have yet to see this film. I will have to look for it because we really overlook Queen Anne a great deal.