The Queen (2006)
This is a somewhat somber movie reminding all of us about the untimely death of Princess Diana. It would have been more aptly named The Queen's Reaction (or lack thereof).
After learning of the Princess's death in a French auto accident, Buckingham Palace takes the position that Princess Diana is no longer a Royal and therefore her death should be a private matter rather than matter of State. Public outcry forces the Queen to make decisions that are contrary to Royal protocol and which weigh heavy on the Queen's mind. She has taken an oath to abide by certain protocols and to protect the Monarchy. Not until the newly elected Prime Minister, Tony Blair, practically demands a reaction from the Royals do they finally move to mourn Princess Diana's death in public.
This is a sad movie both from the prospective of having to re-live Princess Diana's death and from having to watch the Queen be humbled -- something which is obviously new to her, which makes the movie even more saddening. The public reduces a millennium old Monarchy to mere commoners simply because they want some sort of acknowledgement of the death of someone who is no longer a part of the Monarchy, which is understandable. It's certainly a tough position to have to be in. Do you let public sentiment dictate protocol? One can feel the Queen's anguish (once you get over hating her as this movie will make you do).
This movie simply ignores the protocols of the Monarchy as if they don't exist and portrays the Queen as this evil, heartless, person. For instance, the press and public in London wanted the flag over Buckingham Palace flown at half-staff in honor of Princess Diana's passing. However, in 1997, the year of Princess Diana's death, the protocol of the flying the flag over Buckingham Palace was that it was only to be flown when the sovereign was actually present in the Palace, which at the time of Princess Diana's passing the Queen was not present at the palace and hence no flag was being flown (the flag follows the Queen). This protocol has since changed due in large part to Princess Diana.
A lot of the events portrayed in this movie involve similar protocols unbeknownst to the viewer and which easily makes one believe that the Monarchy is heartless. Which is just not the case. It is no secret that the Monarchy held Princess Diana is disfavor (what family doesn't after a divorce). But had the Monarchy's protocol called for an event to happen, you can bet that it would have happened -- as the Queen is fully aware that her feelings, as well as those of her family, are secondary to the Crown.
Like any film nowadays (don't let the truth stand in the way of a good movie), I'm certain much of the dialogue of this movie is based on conjecture, hearsay and innuendoes in order to bring home its message -- that the Royals are heartless and the Monarchy has long exceeded its usefulness. It could be said that the movie The Queen is to the Monarchy as Fahrenheit 911 is to President Bush. Not too flattering.
With the above being said, the acting in this movie is "spot on" as the British say and award worthy. This is certainly a good movie to go see but be prepared to be depressed afterwards.
Title: The Queen
Released: 2006
Genre: Drama, Biography
Rated: (brief strong language)
Director: Stephen Frears
Producers: Andy Harries, Christine Langan, Tracey Seaward
Cast: Helen Mirren, James Cromwell, Alex Jennings
Our Review: 3½ Movie Reels (5 being best)
The Blurb Meister™ says: "A saddening tale of the English Monarchy."
