Reviews May 19 2008 @ 04:30 pm
REVIEW: The Queen
Directed By: Stephen Frears
Written By: Peter Morgan
Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen
Running Time: 101 minutes
Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
Stephen Frears’ The Queen is a briskly-paced political drama with a simple storyline that works pretty well. It also has the distinction of being made within ten years of the events it portrays—a comparative rarity, as most directors would prefer to allow their subjects to die before hiring actors to portray them. I don’t know if I’d call it “daring,” given its tabloid-worthy subject matter, but it is undoubtedly a fresh look at the British monarchy.
Helen Mirren as Elizabeth II
The Queen centers on the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the royal family’s reaction to it—or lack thereof. Michael Sheen stars as the just-elected prime minister Tony Blair, and Helen Mirren is the title character, Elizabeth II, a distant and imposing, yet strangely compelling, new figure in his life.
If you were around back in 1997, you’ll remember that Princess Di’s automobile-related death quickly became a media circus (sort of like everything else involving Di did, up to and including every time she brushed her teeth)—but that the royal family, which she had only recently divorced out of, remained noticeably silent on the matter. This led to an unfortunate situation for the House of Windsor, as Diana was adored by the people. Their silence led to confirmation of the perception that the entire royal family was out of touch, and that—no kidding—England should do away with the monarchy.
It’s hard to imagine England without a Queen (and/or King). (Who would knight popular rock musicians?) Fortunately, this zeitgeist, like almost everything else reported in British tabloids, blew over fairly quickly—thanks in no small part to Mr. Blair himself—at least as this film tells it. Sheen portrays his character as inexperienced and often a bit lost, but gains the sympathies of the audience from the outset, partly because he comes off as an underdog in a system stacked against him. Similarly, Mirren comes off as condescending and out-of-touch, but by the end wins viewers’ sympathies.
Michael Sheen as Tony Blair
How she manages to do this is never quite apparent. Perhaps it’s just great acting, perhaps her power simply makes her compelling; perhaps it’s the experiential wisdom she exudes, despite behaving quite foolishly at times. In any case it’s clear that there’s a degree of alchemy here, making The Queen a compelling experience. Frears keeps the pace light and brisk, and in the end The Queen is just the simple story of two somewhat at-odds political figures coming to an understanding. All the President’s Men this ain’t, but it’s still a fun film.
on May 19 2008 @ 8:43 pm 1. Rick Olson said …
Fine review, Luke. You’re right: Mirren does the impossible without showing how she does it. Very impressive.
And I’m glad it ain’t All the President’s Men. Although I have no problems with that flick, I’d personally give the nod to this one.
on May 19 2008 @ 9:48 pm 2. Rosie said …
I tried to think of something to say. But I realized that you had said it all. Good review.
on May 19 2008 @ 11:40 pm 3. Coosa Creek Times, 5-19-2008 | Coosa Creek Mambo said …
[…] Evan and the gang are discussing Cloverfield, The Queen and the above-mentioned Narnia extravaganza over at […]
on May 20 2008 @ 12:18 am 4. K. Bowen said …
You know, I never thought she was out of touch at all. It seems like she is the only one who really has things weighed properly, not succumbing to the popular fancy of the moment, etc. This is a funny film, because it seems to split between those who favor her view and those who think she’s a monster for much of the film.
on May 20 2008 @ 7:03 am 5. Evan Derrick said …
I enjoyed this film a good bit…as you point out, Luke, it’s bold to portray events only a decade old. However, I have to admit that the ‘biopic’ is one of my least favorite genres, and I typically see films in that vein out of obligation rather than desire. Perhaps it is because true life doesn’t shoehorn into classic cinematic storytelling structure, but I never feel very engaged (on the other hand, I adore docs, but they are a different beast).
Ray, Walk the Line, Ali, The Hurricane, Frida…snooze. Am I the only one that feels this way?
on May 20 2008 @ 1:31 pm 6. Luke Harrington said …
You very well may be.
I tend to enjoy films that don’t try to gloss over the realities of life, even if they do make me check my watch now and then. They can be an acquired taste, though. I dunno.
K., I agree with you on this one - Elizabeth’s personal reaction was almost definitely more reasonable than that of the general public; however, I would say her failure to even acknowledge their feelings implies a lack of empathy (deserved or not) - and certainly wasn’t a good move politically for the institution of the monarchy.
on Jul 03 2008 @ 3:14 pm 7. James said …
Aloha,
Ever since I first got this film on DVD, it has become a new favorite of mine. I watch it at least once a month now, mostly because I enjoy the tug-of-war between Mirren and Sheen.
Also, the alternate commentary track by royal historian Robert Lacey stands out to me as how a DVD audio commentary SHOULD BE.
A true classic!
Mahalo,
James