The Queen (2006)
The Cast
Helen Mirren ... The Queen
Michael Sheen ... Tony Blair
James Cromwell ... Prince Philip
Alex Jennings ... Prince Charles
Roger Allam ... Robin Janvrin
Sylvia Syms ... Queen Mother
Helen McCrory ... Cherie Blair
Mark Bazeley ... Alastair Campbell
Through years of movie-watching I've noticed that British-made films seem to have a quality about them that makes them appear to be nothing more than well-made TV movies here in North America. Perhaps it's the style of the cinematography, maybe it's in the story structure, or maybe it's just the quiet, unassuming air that the British seem to have in regards to themselves. There are many quality films that demonstrate this, Croupier being one I can name right off the top of my head. It's not necessarily detrimental to the overall quality of the movie, but it certainly affects the overall feel of it. Even an accomplished director like Stephen Frears can't seem to escape it, but in this case he may have actually embraced it.
The Queen recounts a period of time around 10 years ago, when the shocking death of Princess Diana rocked the world and caused many Brits to question the monarchy that rules them. One of the most beloved former figures of the Royal Family meets with a tragic and horrible end. Yet the Royals themselves seem determined not to shed a tear for the woman who just a short time before was one of the most recognisable and popular members of their family. The film makes much use of archival footage in regards to Princess Diana's life and death, and employs talented actors to portray the surviving members of the Royals and British politicians. It's an interesting and somewhat shocking look into the goings on and workings of the Royals during that particular time.
In place for the movie is a talented cast of veteran British actors and actresses, breathing life into real people that to some of us seem devoid of any emotion whatsoever. In some ways the movie only reinforces this stereotypical view of the Royal Family, having them come across as out-of-touch-with-modern-society-inbred-lunatics. Much of the film is devoted to the internal turmoil caused by the newly elected Prime Minster Tony Blair (Sheen) pleading with The Queen (Mirren) to reach out to her people, to grieve publicly and share in the sadness of her countrymen. Much of the film is eye-opening to me, since I tend to zone out whenever matters of the monarchy are raised, mostly because I find them to be an outmoded dinosaur lumbering about in the present, causing much more harm than good.
That being said, Helen Mirren perfectly captures the regal and authoritative air of The Queen of England. From the first few seconds you see her onscreen, you feel humbled and dumbstruck by the way Mirren carries herself onscreen. I know in the past I've decried the Oscars for awarding Best Performance awards to those that are doing nothing more than carefully prepared impersonations, but Mirren seemed to embody The Queen much more than just impersonate her. I haven't seen any of the other female performances that were nominated for the Best Actress Oscar last year, but I certainly feel like Mirren's performance was worthy of the honours it so rightly received.
The Queen is a somewhat interesting look back at a turbulent period in British history, if that's something that strikes your fancy. The story was alright, the acting of the supporting cast was good (this may be just because they're British and seem much better at it) and overall the movie was decent. However, when a movie spends almost two hours showing one of the main characters struggling with their inability to show emotion, that moment when it actually happens should bring the house down. I personally experienced no strong surge in emotion at that particular moment, mostly because the movie just made me feel cold and empty inside. An average movie made decent by an overwhelmingly excellent performance.
3.5 / 5