THE QUEEN (Theatrical Release British 2006)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Queen turns itself into a type of explication of the Queen’s handling of Princess Diana’s death. The film is worth a watch, not only due to the outstanding portrayal of the Queen by Helen Mirren, but also because it reveals a side of the Queen that one rarely contemplates beyond the façade of glamour and rectitude—a person with great love of the outdoors, a good understanding of mechanical work, long-standing experience with a very large variety of England’s prime ministers, and tremendous concern for the welfare of country as well as of family. Casting picked James Cromwell to play the Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, and Michael Sheen to play Prime Minister Blair.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) faces the introduction of England’s new prime minister, Tony Blair, and becomes a high public profile figure as the announcement comes of Princess Diana’s death.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Stephen Frears for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, and Scott Rudin for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Prince Philip (James Cromwell), Prince Charles (Alex Jennings), Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), Robin Janyrin (Roger Allam), Queen Mother (Sylvia Syms), Stephen Lamport (Tim McMullan), Equerry (Robin Soans), Janvrin’s Secretary (Lola Peploe), Lord Airlie (Douglas Reith), and Balmoral Maid (Joyce Henderson).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It works and definitely worth a watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers