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| Movie Review: The Queen Alternate Title: A Jewel in the Crown
Story: Get thee to the cinema,
anon. Director Stephen Frears (Dirty Pretty Things,
High Fidelity) has hit it big with this wonderful depiction of
the Queen, the Royal Family, newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair
and the story surrounding the sudden death of Princess Diana in the
summer of 1997. It is compelling story telling with a great script
by Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland).
It is an honest and respectful portrait of the clash between the centuries
old monarchy and the impulse towards modernity represented by the (at
the time) Clinton-like Tony Blair. If you think you will automatically be scornful
of the Queen and sympathetic towards Diana, leave those thoughts at
the door. It is an evenhanded look at both sides of the story. Everything
works in this film. The script, the costumes, the style, the use of
file footage, the music and the splendid acting. Hear, hear! Acting: Helen Mirren is nothing
short of magnificent as the Queen. She captures everything about Elizabeth
including mannerisms, her walk, her seemingly remote appearance and
her fight not to have the Monarchy go down in flames on her watch. A
tour de force performance for sure. The rest of the cast is fine too.
James Cromwell as the Duke of Edinburgh, Michael
Sheen as Blair, Helen McCrory as Cherie Blair
and a wonderful performance by an unrecognizable Sylvia Sims
as the Queen Mum.
Predilection: None
Critters: The Queen's wonderful Corgi's, three black
labs, a 14 point stag and horses.
Food: We don't see anyone actually eating but the
kitchen in Balmoral is wonderful.
Soundtrack: Royal
Opening Titles: A terrific opening sequence that
will pull you right into Mirren's fabulous performance. She is the Queen.
Theater Audience: Crowded for the first show of the
day on a Thursday.
Weather: Chilly in Balmoral, sunny and warm in London.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: I don't like to watch people hunt.
Drift Factor: No drifting for me.
Tissue Usage: I admit to welling up a bit from Mirren's
performance. My movie buddy needed a tissue.
Oscar Worthy: Oh my yes. I think Helen Mirren should
be polishing up her acceptance speech.
Nit Picking: No nits to pick
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen for sure. For some
of Helen Mirren's other films, try renting; Elizabeth
I, Gosford Park, Last Orders, Greenfingers, Some Mother's Son, The Madness
of King George and the wonderful Prime Suspect Series on PBS
Length: 100 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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