queen

The Queen

U.S. Release Date: 10/6/06
Running Time: 1:45
Rated: PG-13 (Profanity)

Cast: Helen Mirren, James Cromwell, Michael Sheen, Alex Jennings, Helen McCrory, Sylvia Syms, Roger Allam, Tim McMullan

Director: Stephen Frears

Producers: François Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Scott Rudin
Screenplay: Peter Morgan
Music: Alexandre Desplat
Studio: Miramax Films

Post-mortem, Princess Diana influenced as many people as, if not more than, she did during her time on Earth. Diana was viewed as the “People’s Princess,” and loved by all. There was an air about her; she was beautiful, and she was independent. Yet, because of her independence and her constant media attention, the Royal Family frowned upon Di. In their words, her death only made her “more annoying.” The Queen focuses on the loss of Princess Di and the tremendous effect that her death posed on the British Nation, the Sovereign, and – most importantly – the Queen.

Behind the scenes, HM Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) is unfazed by the death of Di. She remains stoical, formal, and oblivious to the public opinion. Enter newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen). Blair begins to work in tandem with the Queen in an attempt to give the British populace what they want—public mourning. Blair warns of an abolishing of the monarchy, and Elizabeth II faces the stirring of a sudden dichotomy between the public and the Family. After all, as William Shakespeare said, “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”

The key theme of The Queen is modernity. Never before has one word (modern), and all its forms, been so blatantly stressed. However, it is rightfully so. Without the eventual outcome, this fragment in time may very well have been the demise of the English reign. The growth and liberation of the empire was quintessential in its reformation and continuation.

The key boon of the film is the all-star performances. Without Helen Mirren in the title role, The Queen would not be as alluring. Subtract Michael Sheen from the picture, and The Queen surely would not be the same. Both actors are instrumental to the film’s success. Mirren - in particular - exudes excellence.

Besides the overriding theme and the stellar portrayals, two scenes – in particular – dominate the production and make it all the more powerful. One concerns the side plot of a 14-point stag. As the Queen’s vehicle comes to a stop in the river, she is forced to wait for assistance in the soothing, serene countryside. This allows her to soak in the seriousness of the situation and mourn in private. Seconds later, she returns to stoicism. The second standout scene is a simple dialogue between Elizabeth II and a young girl. When the Queen asks, “Would you like me to place those for you?”, the girl replies, “No. These are for you.” Director Stephen Frears executes not only both of these snippets, but also the entire film, with proficient flair.

Despite The Queen being slow in pace, the film is quality in perspective. It’s a class-act production from beginning to end, and one of the more memorable films of 2006. Much like an appetizing hor’de overe, The Queen combines tasteful drama with a pseudo-documentary approach and rolls it into one professionally presented piece.

When ready to face The Queen present yourself with a formal curtsy and a firm handshake, and you won’t be disappointed. While The Queen isn’t quite as wealthy as the prominent woman it features, the film is still very rich.