Movies

The Queen Review

The story of the British monarchy's reaction to Princess Diana's death. Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen own the screen as Queen Elizabeth II and Tony Blair, respectively. The film offers us a different perspective from what we all think we know about that week in 1997. A decade later we are able to look back and see how our en masse emotional response of equal parts devastation and anger was pointed directly towards a woman so vested and reared in tradition she was completely unprepared to have to answer the people's needs.

The film shows an entirely different Queen than we might think. This is a Queen who likes to drive jeeps, walk her many dogs and picnic with leftovers. This is a woman who came to power during wartime and is a capable and independent person. This film not only makes her more sympathetic and human, but it makes her actions far more understandable.

Mirren absolutely transforms into the role. Sheen is an astounding likeness to the young Blair, not only in looks but in passion and energy.

The film uses actual footage of the days following Diana's death, and it is somewhat therapeutic to recall those days, the bouquets, the tears and of course the anger toward the paparazzi and the Queen. This newsreel is exceptionally well edited into the film and not jarring at all.

A good modern history story which we can only guess at how true it might be.