The Queen

PLOT:

The film begins on the eve of the 1997 British general election, which saw Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) elected as the United Kingdom’s Labour Party Prime Minister. While sitting for an official portrait, the Queen (Helen Mirren) talks with the artist about her regret at not being allowed to vote. She is slightly wary of the new prime minister and his pledge to “modernise” the country, but Blair promises to respect the Royal Family. When Blair visits Buckingham Palace to kiss hands, the Queen follows custom and asks him to form a Government in her name.

Three months later, Diana, Princess of Wales died in a car crash in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris along with her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. Blair’s director of communications, Alastair Campbell (Mark Bazeley), prepares a speech in which Diana is described as “the people’s princess.” Blair gives the speech the next morning and the phrase catches on. Over the next few days, millions of people in London erupt in an outpouring of grief at Buckingham and Kensington Palace.

Meanwhile, the Royal Family were still at Balmoral Castle, their summer estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Diana’s death sparks division among members of the family. The Royal Family observes that, since Diana is divorced from her husband, Charles, Prince of Wales (Alex Jennings), she is no longer royalty. The Queen insists that the funeral is a “private affair” and is best left to Diana’s family, the Spencers. Charles argues that the mother of a future King of Great Britain cannot be dismissed so lightly. Following her mother’s suggestion, the Queen eventually allows the use of an aircraft of the Royal Flight to bring Diana’s body back to England. Charles ensures that his ex-wife’s coffin is draped with a Royal Standard instead of remaining uncovered.

In London, flowers pile up along the palace railings, forcing the changing of the Queen’s guard to use another gate. British tabloids become inflammatory about the lack of a statement from the Royal Family. Prince Charles leaves no doubt that he shares the Prime Minister’s views about the need for a statement. As the Royal Family’s ratings plummet, Blair’s popularity rises, to the delight of the his Anti-Monarchist advisers and wife Cherie (Helen McCrory). However, Blair does not share these sentiments. While disagreeing with the Queen’s course of action, he begins to develop an admiration for her. Blair disagrees with his wife and tells her that a Republican Britain is ludicrous. He also angrily denounces the anti-royal disdain of his Labour advisors and has accused Diana of having tried to destroy everything for which the monarchy stands. Blair calls the Queen at Balmoral and recommends measures to regain public confidence in the monarchy, attend a public funeral for Diana at Westminster Abbey, flying the Union flag at half mast over Buckingham Palace, and speaking to the nation about Diana’s life and legacy in televised address.

Blair’s recommendations outrage Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (James Cromwell) and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (Sylvia Syms). Philip is surprised that Elton John is asked to attend and sing a song, “Candle in the Wind” in Diana’s memory. They view such steps as an undignified surrender to public hysteria. The Queen seems concerned about this and although she shares their feelings, she has doubts as she closely follows the news. Speaking with her mother, the Queen believes that there has been a shift in public values and that perhaps she should abdicate. The Queen Mother dismisses the idea saying that she is one of the greatest assets the monarchy has ever had, stating: “The real problem will come when you leave.” She also reminds her daughter of the promise she made in Cape Town, South Africa, on April 21, 1947, her 21st birthday, in which she promised that her “whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong…”

At Balmoral, Philip attempts to distract his grandsons William (Jake Taylor Shantos) and Harry (Dash Barber) from their mother’s death by taking them deer stalking. While venturing out alone in her Land Rover, the Queen damages the vehicle while crossing a river and is forced to telephone for assistance. She weeps in frustration, but catches sight of a majestic Red Deer which her grandsons have been stalking. Hearing a distant gunshot, she shoos the animal away. The Queen decides to carry out the recommendations of Blair. While preparing to return back to London, she is horrified to learn that the deer has been killed on a neighbouring estate, and sees the stag and is upset at its loss.

In the film’s climax, the Royal Family returned back in London to inspect the floral tributes. The Queen also speaks about Diana’s life and legacy on live television, and describes Diana “an exceptional and gifted human being.” Two months later, Blair visits Buckingham Palace for a weekly meeting. The Queen has regained her popularity, but believes she will never quite fully recover from “that week.” She cautions Blair that one day he too will find that public opinion can rapidly turn against him, and declares that times have changed and that the monarchy must “modernise.” Blair suggests that he can help with this, and The Queen replies: “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Prime Minister. Remember, I’m supposed to be the one advising you“.

REVIEW:

The Queen takes us inside the British monarchy the week following the death of Princess Diana back in 1997. I’m sure none of us knew how much really went on behind those hallowed walls, and this film gives a bit of insight into that mystery.

I can’t think of anyone better to play a queen than Helen Mirren (except maybe Meryl Streep). Mirren captures the hatred, frustrations, and just the entire gamut of emotions this woman feels for having los her former daughter-in-law, being hated by her country, and having to stay strong for her grandchildren. I can just about imagine that this was not an easy role to pull off.

Michael Sheen surprised me. Most know him from the Underworld franchise as Lucien. When I found out that it was he who was Tony Blair, I had to do a double take. Not only did he turn in a brilliant performance, but he was unrecognizable without the beard and long hair. From what I’ve seen of Tony Blair, Sheen got him spot on. No wonder he won critical acclaim for this role.

I’m actually a little surprised to learn that the Royal Family is/was so cold-blooded. I mean, regardless of whether Diana was no longer a Royal, she is the mother of the future king(s) of England, and was a member of the family for many years, not to mention the fact she’s a fellow human being and countryman. How can anyone be so uncaring? It just didn’t make sense to me, but I guess not everyone has as big a heart as I do.

The scenery here is gorgeous. Then again, when you’re filming the castles and countryside of England, do you expect less? That is a beautiful country, unravaged by overpopulation and development, which is why so many films are filmed over there, rather than in the U.S.

There is a feel about this film that is reminiscent of a documentary or historical film, but that is not the case. This is an actual film. Yes, I initially thought it was a documentary or something else, as well.

There isn’t much to not like about The Queen. It is a well-made, extremely great film. However, it doesn’t strike me as the kid of film I’d pop in over and over again. That’s not to say it’s a bad film, because it is not…not by a long shot, but it just isn’t that entertaining. I mean, it has its moments, but for the most part, it takes itself too seriously for my taste. Obviously, it was never meant to be a comedy, but you can’t tell me these people are so stuffy that no one cracked at least one joke for an entire week. I just won’t believe it. That being said, in terms of film quality, you’d be hard pressed to find one that is much better than this. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see what real filmmaking is supposed to look like.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars