A Queen of Drama plays the Queen of England

Rating: 9/10 (11 November 2007)

Helen Mirren is "The Queen," a 2006 film that dramatizes what went on in the Royal House of Windsor after the death of Princess Diana, when Queen Elizabeth is deeply criticized for refusing to speak publicly about the event. Prime Minister Tony Blair urges her to change her mind. Elizabeth must grapple with her own views in a changing world that has somehow left her behind.
The acting in this film is so excellent that I forgot I was watching actors and actually believed I was watching the real situation. This left me wondering how close to the truth it was. The emotions conveyed were probably correct even if actual incidents were not. "The Queen" is a brilliant psychological study of a woman who, when she was young, had fame thrust upon her, as she deals with the death of her ex-daughter-in-law, who achieved greatness. Michael Sheen was absolutely uncanny as Tony Blair, who walks a fine line dealing with Buckingham Palace and political forces; and James Cromwell as Phillip comes off as a bitter, angry Diana hater...probably not far from the truth.
To understand Queen Elizabeth and her actions, the family's history is important. Her branch of the family was not intended for the throne; it was the unusual circumstance of Edward, Duke of Windsor, abdicating that made the Elizabeth's father, the shy George, King of England. In a world where responsibility came first and personal feelings second, it was a shocking situation. Some years later, Elizabeth, who worshipped her father, was seen off on a trip to Africa by King George. White-faced and ill, he watched her plane until it disappeared in the sky. Prince Philip was taken aside during the African trip and told that the King was dead; long live the Queen. A shattered Elizabeth had to emerge from the plane on her return to England as a young woman in complete control of her emotions - a young woman who should have been King Edward's niece, a royal personage who occasionally cut a ribbon - was herself the Queen.
Her life became one of formality, respectability and responsibility while her sister Margaret dated divorced men, drank, and took trips to islands with male companions. It isn't any wonder that Diana was someone she could never understand - or understood better than she wanted. The most poignant scene in the film occurs when Elizabeth sees a noble stag that all the hunters are after and shoos it away. A metaphor certainly for Diana, a beautiful creature who had wandered into a world she could never comfortably live in nor understand.
Helen Mirren has long been one of my favorite actresses; her performance is perfection. She portrays Elizabeth as strong, intelligent and reserved, but with a kind heart and sensitivity. It's one of those rare times when the actress becomes the role rather than plays it.
The script is superb, and the use of news footage of Princess Diana is edited into the film beautifully. Although all of the acting is wonderful, Helen Mirren towers over this movie, giving a powerful, unforgettable performance of a remarkable woman.