The Queen

HUGE

On 31 August 1997 it seemed like the entire world shut itself down. Princess Diana, one of the most beloved icons in history died in a tragic high speed car accident in Paris, France that morning. And, although I had not vigorously followed her triumphs and tragedies (except from TV) I was saddened, nearly heartbroken that this lovely woman who tried to do so much for humanity, passed on into eternity. Her unexpected demise effected practically everyone on the planet.

In his follow up to real life dramedy, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Stephen Frears’ The Queen ushers us behind the scenes of misfortune, revealing the intimate tensions HM Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair endured, trying to reconcile differences between themselves and the British populace while the world mourned the people’s Princess.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, British rule is now in the hands of the Labour Party with Tony Blair the newly elected Prime Minister. Both promise great changes from ageless tradition to modern times for England. He along with his wife Cherie who harbors disdain for tradition and protocol, is immediately invited to Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen’s permission to form a government in her name. It’s rather apparent from the start that there may be a clash between these two. Convention vs. innovation. It initially takes form in a humorous scene where Her Majesty must correct the Prime Minister in the middle of his making a certain request. Neither of them realize just how much more serious their opposing philosophies will be tested later on. Frears and writer Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland) expend no time of the film’s 97 minute length, forging ahead from 1994 to 1997. Diana has been divorced from Prince Charles and is no longer considered part of the royal family. Her escapades and scandals are constantly showing up in the media and tabloids much to the chagrin of Her Majesty and apathetic husband Phillip (James Cromwell).

When the Queen’s secretary awakens the staff and Her Majesty to tell them that Diana has been in a serious accident in Paris, it doesn’t seem to stir niether Elizabeth or Phillip whose dislike for the princess equals Cherie Blair’s dislike for protocol. At this point, you know the inevitable is coming. My heart rate increased from the suspense despite Cromwell’s lethargic attempts to abate it. The British Embassy calls with the heartrending news of the Princess’s death in Paris.

Academy Award winner Helen Mirren’s Queen Elizabeth II is the epitome of royalty and sacred British tradition. She sticks to this adamantly, even annoyingly in the face of Princess Di’s passing. Yet, you cannot help but to respect Her Majesty simply on the general principle of who she is and that she must have a good reason for her deportment.

I’ve recently discovered that James Cromwell, who plays Her Majesty’s cynical husband Phillip, is severely underrated as an actor. He plays Jack Bauer’s estranged father in 24. His candid portrayal of what we would call here in America, the “First Gentlemen” should garner some type of supporting role award.

Michael Sheen, who I first encountered as Lucian in Underworld: Evolution, then later on in Blood Diamond, appears to do justice playing novel Prime Minister Tony Blair. He’s probably the closest in facial features making him remotely familiar to all who have seen Blair on the "telly." I was completely convinced by his interpretation, maintaining a cautious position while sparring with Her Majesty over Diana.

While watching this film overlaid with lavish English landscapes provided by Alfonso Beato’s exquisite photography, I couldn’t help trying to appreciate everyone’s standpoint on this sharp issue. Only one standpoint will prevail. One that I’m sure will fulfill all the men, women and children in theaters worldwide who loved and adored the People’s Princess with all their heart.