Ladies and gentlemen, The Queen

Rating: 7/10 (16 January 2007)

Many moons ago (around 11 years ago) we were in Durban at the same time as HRH's re-visit to South Africa. Amongst other functions, she was going to the horse races . So as a public service, to myself and to see if she looked anything like her pictures, I went to see her. It ended up being one of those muggy, rainy days where the days races ended up being cancelled. (Which with my luck on the nags ended up probably being a good thing.)
But she came anyway an did a walkabout for those of us who stayed around. And, without being a royalist in any form, she impressed; A true presence.
Helen Mirren, who has been around for donkey's years does the same here. She plays the Queen as someone whos life is their duty and vice versa. And sometimes it's difficuilt to know where one begins and ends. This is not someone that one cosies up to in any shape or form, as Charles makes clear in one of his comments to her.
Michael Sheen plays Tony Blair in a picture perfect portrayal in his mannerisms of the time and of a Prime Minister getting used to the reins of power.
Helen Mirren was an excellent choice to play her and her resemblance after make-up is incredible. She has always played an aloof/knowledgeably superior character; from films like THE COOK, THE THIEF, HIS WIFE AND HER LOVER (8/10), Peter Greenway's meisterwerk and in the incredible TV series PRIME SUSPECT in her role as inspector Tennison.
The film takes place during the week of Diana's death with all the dramas surrounding it. It goes someway in explaining the Royal families reaction and the characters present. Was it really a tipping point for the monarchy or was it a case of journalistic excess? I don't think so but it makes for an entertaining film with some interesting insights into the royal and ministerial households with their totally different styles; one stuck in a unyielding past and the other a more labile, relaxed future.
As with my prediction for Scorcese to win for THE DEPARTED (9/10) in the Oscars, I would suggest a flutter on Mirren as a sure thing for best actress. Unlike my horse racing tips, you just can't lose.