Some right royal performances

Rating: 8/10 (9 March 2007)

This much-talked about docudrama faithfully recreates the frustrating moments at Buckingham Palace following the death of Diana in a car crash in Paris.
Award-winning Helen Mirren gives an astounding performance as Queen Elizabeth 11 as she assumes the voice and gestures in minutest detail of the reigning monarch.
Wishing at first to brush the whole affair aside as a purely private matter, and urged continually to do so by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh ( James Cromwell ), she finally gives in to the advice of Prime Minister Tony Blair that a public funeral service be arranged to meet the demands of the public. One could feel the torment that the Queen was experiencing as she often sat alone wondering what she should do next. Her advisers said she should broadcast to the people and it was even strongly suggested that a flag on Buckingham Palace should fly at half mast.
Michael Sheen as Tony Blair caught the right feeling as the young and ambitious Prime Minister desperately trying to persuade the Queen to change her mind, to make her realize that times were changing and that she must listen to the cry of the populace. To adhere to the old traditional ways was a perilous attitude and could well end the monarchy.
The Duke of Edinburgh gave little support maintaining an aloof and cold attitude throughout. The film makers made him such an unfeeling fellow. As for the Queen Mother (Sylvia Sims) she was portrayed as a rather dowdy creature lacking the true elegance and dignity which she has shown throughout her life.
One of the most moving scenes in the film was the moment when Prince Charles (Alex Jennings) entered the room of the French Hospital to view the body of Diana. The atmosphere was suddenly quiet, the cameras remaining at a respectful distance and Charles himself quietly visible beyond the glass partition. Very well done, I thought.
I think it must be very difficult to play the role of a living person. One could be in for a lot of criticism. All will agree that Helen Mirren's performance could not be bettered by any living actress. While the film itself might not be everyone's choice for a Saturday night celebration, watching this performance of a truly great actress is a rare opportunity indeed.