Interesting account of one week

Rating: 10/10 (4 November 2006)

in the life of the rulers of Britain, and the prime minister. Where do I start? I was so thankful to FINALLY have a movie worth seeing (even though I had to drive to Salt Lake City, 30 miles away, to see it, since either the movie theater owners up here in Hicksville, er, Ogden, don't think we will understand it, or legitimately, there just isn't the audience up here.) (It's one of my pet peeves that the only movies we're offered up here are blockbuster crowd-pleaser type, wide audience movies, without ONE TEENY little screen being offered for those of us who would rather see something with a little more substance). THis movie opened yesterday (Friday afternoon) in Salt Lake City, and I attended the 2:30 show. I was pleased that there was actually a LINE that I had to wait in! The theater wasn't chock full, but then, it was mid afternoon, when it's usually pretty quiet.
What a treat this was! I am old enough to remember when Charles was the eligible bachelor looking for a bride, and I have to admit (with a red face) that I joined in the crowds watching the big wedding in 1981. I am one year older than Diana was, so in that aspect, I could relate to her. By 1997, however, Charles and Diana had divorced, and the public had, for the most part, sided with Diana, who was seen as more caring than the rest of the royal family. Her private side was never seen by us, a point made brilliantly in this film. I remember when Diana died, there were people who were decrying that she had died when she had finally found "true love" (sorry, but I sincerely DOUBT IT). Anyway, "THe Queen" is a study of the old monarchy trying to come to grips with the changing world (or should I say "changed").
Helen Mirren is nothing short of brilliant. She absolutely disappeared into the character of QEII, so effectively that I forgot at times that I was watching a movie, and started to believe that she was actually Elizabeth II. I have to admit that I know next to nothing about royal protocol, and it was quite interesting to hear about it through this film. Michael Sheen was also brilliant as Tony Blair, as was James Cromwell as Prince Phillip. This movie probably has the best ensemble cast of any film I've seen this year. The last movie I saw that I enjoyed this much was "Little Miss Sunshine," another movie with a fine ensemble cast. I am hoping that since the holidays are approaching, there will be more choices out there for we moviegoers who want something a little more thoughtful than the usual fare. Thanks to the filmmakers for a fine experience.