Perfect Mix

Rating: 9/10 (16 January 2007)

Loved this movie. Helen Mirren was perfect in the role; you truly believe she is Queen Elizabeth II. I thought they achieved the perfect mix of showing how the royal family was so out of touch with the public, while also being fair to them as human beings, and therefore the products of their own upbringing. Tony Blair's portrayal balanced this perfectly, as someone who initially holds little respect for the royals and their traditions, but gains sympathy when realizing they have challenges and demands of their own. He helps the royal family regain the respect of the British public without betraying his own feelings towards the Monarchy. Sheree Blair is also very well done, as an independent and intelligent woman not afraid to voice her own opinions.
But the star is clearly Helen Mirren. Saying so much in so few words, or with only a look or gesture. And the scene where she sees the large buck (when her jeep breaks down) will stay with me as one of the key emotional highs of the film. The portrayal of Prince Philip was also very well done. With a father like Philip, it's clear how Charles turned out as he did (i.e. another cold fish).
I was sorry that more time wasn't spent on Charles or the boys, but of course this would have made it quite a different film. As it was, there was just enough background story, to remind everyone of the key aspects of Charles and Diana's marriage and problems.
The use of news footage was also very well done, and combined with Helen Mirren's performance, often gave the feel of watching a documentary, not a movie. Brilliant.