Character study of the Monarchy

Rating: 8/10 (14 August 2007)

Insightful story where the audience gets a "fly-on-the-wall" view of what might have gone on behind closed doors in the aftermath of Lady Diana Spencer's death.
Certainly there was, at the time these events unfolded, plenty of speculation by the gossip tabloids, as well as the public, and this story molds all of it into a balanced study. Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, and Michael Sheen as the young Prime Minister Tony Blair are impressive in their respective roles. The newly installed PM Blair exhibits a wisdom and charisma essential for a leader in these unexpected circumstances. The Queen herself is, by her own admission, a product of another era, educated during World War II. The views and opinions of the masses have turned a paradigm shift over the years, and she struggles to understand this (with the counsel of Blair).
Therein lies what appears to be the larger question for thought posed by the movie. What exactly is the function of the Monarchy in modern Britain? Is this ceremonial "institution" necessary, or is it an archaic figure head that no longer serves any useful purpose? Everyone of course will have different attitudes about this, and the movie is fair in its portrayal of both the Queen as well as her detractors.
The movie is well edited with a fair measure of actual footage from newscasts from the 1997 events, and manages to use these without allowing them to become intrusive. It's well edited, and the media's impact on what occurs is well documented. The character driven approach is managed well by clear direction, and the acting by the entire cast is human and real. The movie resists the temptation to take cheap shots of target practice at any one person; instead, it gives a measured view, and provides insights for consideration.