Nominated in: 2007
Did it win? No, the Oscar went to The Departed
Worth watching? Yes
Standout performance: Helen Mirren as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Watchfl’s favorite quote: “Because you saw all those headlines and you thought: ‘One day that might happen to me’…and it will, Mr. Blair. Quite suddenly and without warning” – Helen Mirren
How did Queen Elizabeth really feel about Diana? Most of us can remember where we were when we heard about the death of the former princess. But until I saw The Queen I did not think about what went on behind closed doors in the royal family, especially during that time.
Patching together imaginings and secret interviews with sources close to the Windsors, this film gives a rare glimpse into the realities and responsibilities Queen Elizabeth has faced, especially during the unprecedented events and criticisms that followed Diana’s death. I’m pleased to report that this movie is better the second time you watch it, although it is such a subtle and understated character study I bet many people find it unbearably boring. It certainly teeters on the verge.
Helen Mirren bears a freakish resemblance to Queen Elizabeth, but her performance was much more than an impersonation and fully deserved the Oscar it won. It’s Mirren, and Michael Sheen as a young Tony Blair, who keep this story interesting, insightful and thought-provoking throughout.
1 Comment
January 20, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I am with you for the most part, Watchfl, but for what it’s worth, the Lady Di thing is surrounded by so much mystique (for most people) that it provides a buffer from the potential boredom, plus, a neat look at the personal lives of the Royal family, regardless how accurate, kept me awake, too.
For all the critics out there, you’re not half bad.
Watchin’ Watchfl