The Queen

This impressive character study from director Stephen Frears shows us how the relationship between HM Queen Elizabeth II and newly elected Prime Minister Tony Blair first began, and how both individuals were tested in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s death. As the nation mourns its loss, the citizens criticize the Royal Family for their lack of compassion and apparent indifference to the tragedy. Blair, who disapproves of how the Queen is handling the situation, finds his popularity beginning to soar. His modern approach befuddles the Queen, who tries as hard as she can to adhere to her traditional ways. In the title role, Helen Mirren is absolutely sensational. Although she is made to look uncannily like the real Queen Elizabeth II, her performance transcends a merely well-done imitation. She breathes poignancy into the role and conveys great depths of emotion through even the smallest hand gestures. Also excellent is Michael Sheen, who gives Tony Blair a rather endearing quality, despite his failure to understand why the Queen will not be more open in her grief for the sake of the public. The film illustrates how such a brief period in history was akin to a bridge, linking the England of yesterday with the one we know today. A handsome production all around.

Directed by Stephen Frears.
Written by Peter Morgan.
Starring Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Alex Jennings, Helen McCrory and Roger Allam.

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language. 97 min.

****½ so says The Fish