Different Lives

Rating: 10/10 (9 February 2007)

Goes without saying that Helen Mirren was THE star here.
Never was there better proof that the Royals live in a totally different and insulated world from the rest of us. "I find all problems can be solved after a long walk." Tells you she has no idea what real life or problems are like. Real people don't have problems that can be solved by a walk.
Prince Phillip's answer to two little boys grief at the death of their beloved mother (something he cannot understand) is "cured" by taking them out walking. Good grief!
The Queen and her family have been brought up to observe a rigid set of rules which simply do not apply to ordinary people. Thus, when you or I would mourn, or love or show sympathy, Elizabeth et al are not allowed this luxury and simply don't know how to feel, so repressed have they been all their lives.
The Monarch, as some people already know, is given lessons on how not to cough, cry, sneeze, break wind or show any emotion in public. (So common dear) Such rigid adherence to unnatural rules is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to protocol. So Diana, who didn't grow up in that world and wanted to show her love and fear and betrayal, was anathema from the beginning. The Royals manipulated their son into a loveless marriage with a suitable girl - and everyone paid the price.
'The Queen' explains all this without ever saying so in words and the impact is stunning.
I am an anti-royalist but even I couldn't blame Elizabeth for wanting it all to go her way, after all, that's how she's lived for 80 years, how could she change?
That she had to climb down and give in to the pressure from the tabloids must have hit hard and Helen Mirren perfectly portrays this controlled and bitter anger at being beaten. No one tells the Queen what to do, not even her PM, and here were some horribly common people forcing her to fly a flag, give in to a royal funeral and more.
I bet she still has nightmares about it!
Thank goodness the day are gone when a monarch could say 'Off with his head'. Blair wouldn't have lasted long.
A superb film with a million hidden hints and subtle suggestions which most British people would pick up. I particularly liked the still of Diana looking sideways with such hatred - a master stroke.