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BONUS REVIEW
Film: The Queen (2006) [PG-13] 97 minutes
WIP™ Scale: $14.50
Where Viewed: Landmark Chez Artiste, Denver, CO
When 1st Seen: 24 October 2006
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Film's Official Website
DVD Release Date: unscheduled
Directed by: Stephen Frears (Mrs Henderson Presents)
Written by: Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland)
Featured Cast (Where You Might Remember Him/Her From):
Helen Mirren (Shadowboxer) • Michael Sheen (Underworld: Evolution) • James Cromwell ("Six Feet Under") • Sylvia Syms ("Doctors") • Alex Jennings (Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason) • Helen McCrory (Casanova) • Roger Allam (V for Vendetta)
Soundtrack: Download now from 
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Review Dedicated to: Aileen H. Thompson, my nana, and correspondent to HM Queen Elizabeth II
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word or less review of this film]
On 31 August 1997, the entire world was rocked by the news of death of the "People's Princess" former Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, always Diana. Probably no one could have predicted the worldwide outpouring of grief on the sad news, least of all Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Re-creating the week from the announcement to funeral as it impacted the Royal House of Windsor, and particularly the Queen and newly elected Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has been the work of magnificent British director Stephen Frears and gifted screenwriter Peter Morgan. The result is quite literally one of the most fascinating composites of a reigning sovereign and her head of government ever filmed. Sources state that the screenplay had been created by exhaustive interviews, research, discreet sources, and "informed imagination" therefore skirting the issue as to how much of the film is factual as it applies to HM Queen Elizabeth II or Prime Minister Blair. It is difficult to believe, however, that either would have wished the film to turn out any differently, for it is respectful, dignified, and filled with details that humanize and explain to non Brits the protocols and nuances of etiquette that took control of the situation upon the revelation of the passing of a former, future Queen of England.
"… a perfect tribute to the legacy of Diana as it is to the Queen herself."
True enough, the script is quite brilliant, yet the performances of Dame Helen Mirren as HM Queen Elizabeth II and Michael Sheen as Tony Blair make this film enchanting. Both portrayals from physical appearance to mannerisms to vocal cadence, at least to a CNN-informed USAer, seemed flawless as if one were glimpsing the actual crown jewels of England turned performers and let loose at the Globe. Ms Mirren has captured the role of her career, and from silver curls to tight-lipped, yet dignified nods, she is the Queen. Twice before nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress (no wins), though still a bit early for final judgments, it's difficult to imagine her not earning another nomination and sitting in strong contention for a win with this performance. She has everything from the positions of her feet to her handling of the phone down to a regal t. There was never one moment I doubted she was The Queen. Likewise, though perhaps an easier figure to portray, Michael Sheen seems the near doppelganger for Tony Blair. With his HM The Queen Mother (Sylvian Syms)-described, Cheshire Cat grin and ebullient effusive persona, Mr. Sheen makes it easy to see why Mr. Blair has been rated one of the most popular British Prime Ministers since Winston Churchill. And what a first foray he had in power as he was nearly immediately faced with a nation mourning the loss of a beloved icon in the face of a Royal House resistant to change and still smarting from the disgrace of the divorce.
"…nearly addicting…The Queen is one of the more enjoyable films of the year with a blend of human drama, British humor and tradition, and the lives of two very different women and the considerable impact each has had on the world as a whole."
On the surface, the script gives much of the credit for saving the Royal House from obsolescence brought on the by the Queen's initial refusal to acknowledge Diana's death as anything but a private matter to the Prime Minister. Yet, below it is obvious that, really, it was the Queen's very inner strength and devotion to her position that played the largest role, Mr. Blair only helped to necessitate her 'coming around'. Such is the right of a sovereign. Throughout, there are other fascinating undercurrents so very British in nature. There is a clear sense that the Royal Family is not that thrilled with the election of Blair who ran on a platform of reform and modernization of the country as if to imply the nation was not modern. Therefore, it is with some reluctance that the Queen asks him in a formal ceremony to form a government in her name. This ceremony bedevils anti-monarchist, Cherie Blair (Helen McCrory), who seemingly would have the whole lot tossed into the Thames. Prince Phillip (James Cromwell) has adapted perfectly to his position as the Queen's husband supporting her and every aspect of her reign with profound indulgence. As irony would have it, he spends the bulk of his time with Prince William and Prince Harry taking them on long stalkings of deer to put their minds off the death of their mother. Prince Charles (Alex Jennings) comes across as oddly interested in Blair's new government, while tip-toeing around his mother trying not to upset her at every turn. He does, stick up for Diana, however, and insists that her body be flown back from France in a royal jet. The Queen's personal secretary, Robin Janvrin (Roger Allam) also does a splendid job of walking the line between supporting the queen through her own wishes and helping her come around to her senses as encouraged by the Prime Minister. The acting in the film, universally, is superb as are the directing, the costumes, the sets, and the potent musical score by Alexandre Desplat. Editing in real footage of Diana and events such as her wedding and ultimately her funeral was a stroke of necessity as much as genius for it brought back the reality of Diana's death in a way that no other method might have.
In the end, the film is a perfect tribute to the legacy of Diana as it is to the Queen herself. Despite the figurehead nature of her reign, she has served her nation in a manner most becoming of her position and upbringing. She mentions that's she's been in her position since Winston Churchill was Prime Minister as if to imply she's outlasted them all. Her wisdom to be able to recognize that, in the end, the people really have changed and that, perhaps, she needs some modernizing along with the rest of them demonstrates her worthiness for the crown. Watching this film is nearly addicting, as it reveals not just the inner workings of a royal palace but the minds of those who inhabit it. The Queen is one of the most enjoyable films of the year with a blend of human drama, British humor and tradition, and the lives of two very different and legendary women and the considerable impact each has had on the world as a whole.
In the end, the film is a perfect tribute to the legacy of Diana as it is to the Queen herself. Despite the figurehead nature of her reign, she has served her nation in a manner most becoming of her position and upbringing. She mentions that's she's been in her position since Winston Churchill was Prime Minister as if to imply she's outlasted them all. Her wisdom to be able to recognize that, in the end, the people really have changed and that, perhaps, she needs some modernizing along with the rest of them demonstrates her worthiness for the crown. Watching this film is nearly addicting, as it reveals not just the inner workings of a royal palace but the minds of those who inhabit it. The Queen is one of the most enjoyable films of the year with a blend of human drama, British humor and tradition, and the lives of two very different and legendary women and the considerable impact each has had on the world as a whole.
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Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Click for 'Review Lite' [a 150-word review of this film]
Other Projects Featuring The Queen (2006)
Cast Members
Helen Mirren
• Michael Sheen• James CromwellSylvia Syms
• Alex Jennings• Helen McCroryRoger Allam
Director
Stephen Frears
Writer
Peter Morgan
Original Music
Alexandre Desplat
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The Queen (2006) Review-lite [150-word cap]
31 August 1997 rocked the world with news of the death of the "People's Princess", former Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. Few could have predicted the outpouring of grief, least of all Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Re-creating the week from the announcement to funeral as it impacted the Queen, and newly-elected Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has been the work of director Stephen Frears and screenwriter Peter Morgan, resulting in, quite literally, one of the most fascinating composites of a reigning sovereign ever filmed. The performances of Dame Helen Mirren as HM Queen Elizabeth II and Michael Sheen as Tony Blair make this film nearly addicting--a perfect tribute to the legacy of Diana as it is to the Queen herself. The Queen is one of the most enjoyable films of the year with a blend of human drama, British humor, and the lives of two legendary women.
1 comment:
The one character not developed in this film was that of Diana herself. Surely her mental history had much more impact on the Royal family than the film was able to present.
While the "people's princess" remains the icon of superficial popular culture, the Royals knew a very different, darker character behind the facades of glamour and pseudo-compassion.
Both Diana and her brother, Charles Spencer, suffered from Borderline Personality Disorder caused by their mother's abandoning them as young children. A google search reveals that Diana is considered a case study in BPD by mental health professionals.
For Charles Spencer, BPD meant insatiable sexual promiscuity (his wife was divorcing him at the time of Diana's death). For Diana, BPD meant intense insecurity and insatiable need for attention and affection which even the best husband could never fulfill.
Clinically, it's clear that the Royal family did not cause her "problems". Rather, Diana brought her multiple issues into the marriage, and the Royal family was hapless to deal with them.
Her illness, untreated, sowed the seeds of her fast and unstable lifestyle, and sadly, her tragic fate.
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