Cate Blanchett interview

Cate Blanchett talks exclusively to marieclaire.co.uk about Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Australia A-List actress Cate Blanchett returns to play Elizabeth I in this luminous sequel to 1998's Elizabeth, which sees the Virgin Queen confront the Spanish Armada.

How was it to revisit Elizabeth I?

I found it really confronting. It was something that was presented to me as an idea, almost immediately after we finished the first film. I said 'No' and I kept saying 'No'. But what I like about the way Shekhar [Kapur, director] works is that he really used Elizabeth and the Elizabethan age, as a coat-hanger on which to discuss more universal things about women, which is probably why it connected with people.

Did you rewatch the original Elizabeth? How did it feel?

I did, yes, and I realized by watching myself what a baby I was, and how much had happened in the last eight years. It's been extraordinary.

What have been the highlights and low points?

Highlights since then have been the children, obviously. Low points usually involve a complete lack of sleep.

You've just won Best Actress for your portrayal of Bob Dylan in I'm Not There at the Venice Film Festival. Would you like to meet him?

Yes and no. The best way to get to know people is either by having sex with them or working with them ? and I don't think either of those things are on the cards with me and Dylan, so it's probably best that I don't.

You look in great shape. Do you ever go to the gym?

I wish! Recently, I thought for the first time, I'm going to do Pilates three times a week. That started ? we bought a reformer, and we had it in the house. That lasted for three weeks. I was so proud. I did it nine times, and I haven't done it since! I keep meaning to.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age opens on 2 November.