The Queen

'The Queen is as the Queen does'

Finally. Now I can honestly say I have seen all of the films nominated for Best Film at the 2006 Oscars. The Departed still deserved the win by a long shot in my point of view, but here we go. Before reading this, know that I care very little for those in authority and power. So tales involving such beings being very "British" tend to bore me.

The film isn't bad but here is the point of the film, the thing they emphasize again and again. The current Queen was born in a different time and era and is having a difficult time adjusting to the more modern sensibilities. That's it. Seriously. That's the plot of the film. As viewers we already know that the Queen doesn't end up on the chopping block and that the monarchy still exists. The only thing the film allows us to see is a more sympathetic viewpoint of the Queen and to see the changes made to the monarchy and in how the monarchy deals with the public. The plot? Well, Princess Diana dies and the monarchy won't make a statement about it. Now, it is interesting to see how the newly elected prime minister Tony Blair and his labor party handle the situation considering the fact the press want to destroy the monarchy. Oh, and honestly there is a bit at the end where the Queen and Blair are speaking about the public's previous hatred of the monarchy and the Queen mentions that the same hatred could happen to Blair in an instant. I despise films that try to be cool by adding in an obvious reference to a modern event which this does by using that as a reference to the current campaign and subsequent stepping down of Tony Blair. Even if the writer didn't mean for it too, the time in which a film is released DOES affect the movie, any movie, and how it is viewed. The nice side of the plot? Well, it shows that the decision to be stoic was a calculated one and one that the monarchy believed in. Also, it goes into detail on some of the finer points about the monarchy and its traditions. However, if you mix stoicism with the rich snooty and ill-adjusted to the times, it equals boring to me. Thank God for the interesting symbolic bits like the whole thing with the stag. Unfortunately, I came away from this film with a better understanding of the monarchy, but with much less patience and caring. They are a bunch of out-of-date elders who seem to have a hard time being in touch with the people. The only good thing is that they aren't so out of touch as say, Bush or George Lucas.

In terms of acting, Helen Mirren plays a VERY stoic Queen. One who I think never truly morns or cares for the loss of Diana much and whom considers all the fuss to be an affront to her and the monarchy. She deserves her lauded praise. Unfortunately, so did Michael Sheen for his portrayal of Tony Blair. It's too bad he never received it. As for the rest of the cast, well, the royal family all look like a bunch of grumpy self-important has-beens or in-bred paranoid schizophrenics. I'm sorry, but the best argument for keeping the Queen around now is that Charles looks like he would fit better as an alien conspiracy theorist than as king. The labor party members all seem so disparaging of the monarchy and its ridiculous existence. The entire film becomes a balancing act between the Queen and Blair and how do they handle the mess of the media caused by Diana's death and subsequent reaction from the public.

As for directing, well the actors and the line delivery are perfect. The blend of real television footage with that of the actors saying the same lines is flawless. And the believability and the understanding for each character is executed brilliantly. The only scene in the movie that is a bit much is the scene with the Queen looking at all of the cards and then seeing the people behind the fence constantly bow to her. Well shot, if a bit slow and plodding in pace.

Conclusion:
Its a good movie well shot and directed that explores the rights of the monarchy and what it means to become updated and to live as a Queen in the modern world. It all seems silly to me but I can see how many would like it. The acting is excellent and the story is well told. I just find it a bit boorish since the monarchy isn't really mine or many others bag. But, it's a good watch for those who like a more slowed-down dramatic approach.

4.3 out of 5

Wannabe