The Queen

Rating: Null/10 (17 April 2013)

The Queen is a 2006 British historical drama film directed by Stephen Frears, written by Peter Morgan, and starring Helen Mirren in the title role of Elizabeth II. The drama includes the death of Princess Diana on 31.08.1997, the reactions to it and the sojourn of the Royal Family at their summer residence of Balmoral Castle.
Even the prime minister Tony Blair pays tribute to Princess Diana. The Queen does not show her grief to the public, she also prevents Tony Blair's recommend to come back to London to reveal her sorrow. She does not want to hoist a flag to half-mast since it deviates from the protocol. Whilst Elizabeth II is venturing out alone in her Land Rover, she damages it while crossing a river, she has to call for help. The Queen feels a sense of frustration, but catches sight of a considerable red deer. She is stunned by his beauty. They stare at each other. When she is hearing a distant gunshot, she chase it away and decides to carry out Blair's advice. Then the Royal Family finally return to London. They look at the floral tributes to Diana. The Queen follows Blair's advice to make a public statement on live television, where she speaks about the life and legacy of Diana. She calls her as an exceptional and gifted human being. Finally, two months after Diana's death, Tony Blair visits Buckingham Palace to become a appointment with the Queen.
When the Queen beholds the red deer she is for the first time completely alone, she also exhibits for the first time her dolorousness. Her expressions are tinged with sadness. All the time of her life she learned to keep her feelings to herself, not show anything to the public, because she is the head of a state. She has to be proud and powerful. For this purpose the drama contains a memorable quote "You must show your strength. Reassert your authority. You sit on the most powerful throne in Europe, head of an unbroken line that goes back more than a thousand years. Do you think any of your predecessors would have dropped everything and gone up to London because a bunch of hysterics carrying candles needed help with their grief? Huh! As for that silly Mr. Blair with his Cheshire Cat grin.." (The Queen Mother) Therefore I think this scene reflects something that really happened in the "real life" queen's thoughts, beliefs and her behaviour.
In my opinion the drama is genuinely protracted but sometimes tedious and monotonous