NEW** The Queen - A Review
Well kids, a special treat! The review of a film still in theatres, and just barely starting as well! Although I think the others are worth another look either because they've been passed by or forgotten. However,
The Queen, starring Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen, is a perfect example of what happens when writers and directors with brains and wit combine with actors possessed of the most well-honed talent. It's hard to imagine what the result would have been if one aspect of this picture didn't work. The acting seems dependant not just on the talent but the steady-handed direction, which feels dictated by the material, which relies on the talent to pull it off, which needs a strong director... and on and on...
Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liasons, Dirty Pretty Things) taps into the spirit of his subject, respecting her public persona and reconciling her with the private woman without trying to draw a big thick line, which would've been an easy way in. Instead he shows Queen Elizabeth II as a woman so steeped in tradition and so loyal to her faith that the true dichotomy lies neither in the monarch the world sees nor in the private woman her ever persent staff and family sees; rather it is in her rare moments alone that we get to see both her strength and vulnerability and how the two make her such a formidable character.
But it would be easy to think we suddenly know this woman so intimately. In fact it's Helen Mirren's remarkable transformation both physically and emotionally that makes it feel like we've walked away with a glimpse into the Queen's private life. Mirren walks the walk with conviction. She's witty without resorting to parody, emotional without being maudlin, and supremely royal without once having to imitate that cup-handed wave.
Michael Sheen (Wilde, Kingdom of Heaven) is equally well cast as Prime Minister Tony Blair not only in his portrayal but, like Mirren, his uncanny resemblance.
Sheen's Blair is positioned as the brash young upstart to Mirren's staid and stoic Queen, and the two, though they share minimal screentime, complement each other brilliantly. Early scenes depict Blair's first meeting with the Queen in chambers during which he flubs official protocol and attempts to kiss the royal's non-existent ring. With the slightest look the audience erupted into laughter as it's clear Her Majesty is amused. Back in the waiting room wife Cherie is clearly not impressed with all the pomp her husband is receiving.
The difference between the monarchy and the Prime minister is further illustrated at home with the Blairs, where they cook and clean for themselves, "fish fingers are ready, Tony!", as opposed to the royal residence where an entire battallion of chefs must be cleared from the royal kitchen so her majesty can take a phonecall.
The humour of the picture is it's greatest strength -if you can choose one. What's most interesting tho is how the film is liberally interspersed with actual news footage of Lady Diana (the main topic but NOT the most important theme) and how it fits in to the reality of the situation behind the scenes. Many laughs come from seeing the formalities associated with being in "the presence", as the Queen's secretary describes it in a scene to Mr. Blair.
Truth and fiction don't just collide here, they fight constantly. Fortunately for us, the audience, we don't see or hear it. Our memories of the media from the time seem to gel nicely with the story while allowing us to get a new and better perspective on the matter. We know she hated Diana, we know Philip is pussy-whipped, and we know Charles (ably played by Alex Jennings) was/is a milquetoast. The rest is fiction based in likely fact, and if it has no basis in actual truth it still manages to do what you'd want if someone made a movie of your life; it humanizes, it tries to see beyond the obvious, and it doesn't take any pot-shots. And without settling to simply satisfy it also entertains.
Helen Mirren WILL get an Oscar nomination. What would be exciting is if Michael Sheen got some props! -Seriously, see Wilde! Great film!!
NOT that the Oscars are the be all end all, but if it raises his profile, good for us!
Okay, I'm done.
I hope you'll see it and tell me what you thought.
Come back and comment here and tell me your feelings.
The Queen, starring Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen, is a perfect example of what happens when writers and directors with brains and wit combine with actors possessed of the most well-honed talent. It's hard to imagine what the result would have been if one aspect of this picture didn't work. The acting seems dependant not just on the talent but the steady-handed direction, which feels dictated by the material, which relies on the talent to pull it off, which needs a strong director... and on and on...
Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liasons, Dirty Pretty Things) taps into the spirit of his subject, respecting her public persona and reconciling her with the private woman without trying to draw a big thick line, which would've been an easy way in. Instead he shows Queen Elizabeth II as a woman so steeped in tradition and so loyal to her faith that the true dichotomy lies neither in the monarch the world sees nor in the private woman her ever persent staff and family sees; rather it is in her rare moments alone that we get to see both her strength and vulnerability and how the two make her such a formidable character.
But it would be easy to think we suddenly know this woman so intimately. In fact it's Helen Mirren's remarkable transformation both physically and emotionally that makes it feel like we've walked away with a glimpse into the Queen's private life. Mirren walks the walk with conviction. She's witty without resorting to parody, emotional without being maudlin, and supremely royal without once having to imitate that cup-handed wave.
Michael Sheen (Wilde, Kingdom of Heaven) is equally well cast as Prime Minister Tony Blair not only in his portrayal but, like Mirren, his uncanny resemblance.
Sheen's Blair is positioned as the brash young upstart to Mirren's staid and stoic Queen, and the two, though they share minimal screentime, complement each other brilliantly. Early scenes depict Blair's first meeting with the Queen in chambers during which he flubs official protocol and attempts to kiss the royal's non-existent ring. With the slightest look the audience erupted into laughter as it's clear Her Majesty is amused. Back in the waiting room wife Cherie is clearly not impressed with all the pomp her husband is receiving.
The difference between the monarchy and the Prime minister is further illustrated at home with the Blairs, where they cook and clean for themselves, "fish fingers are ready, Tony!", as opposed to the royal residence where an entire battallion of chefs must be cleared from the royal kitchen so her majesty can take a phonecall.
The humour of the picture is it's greatest strength -if you can choose one. What's most interesting tho is how the film is liberally interspersed with actual news footage of Lady Diana (the main topic but NOT the most important theme) and how it fits in to the reality of the situation behind the scenes. Many laughs come from seeing the formalities associated with being in "the presence", as the Queen's secretary describes it in a scene to Mr. Blair.
Truth and fiction don't just collide here, they fight constantly. Fortunately for us, the audience, we don't see or hear it. Our memories of the media from the time seem to gel nicely with the story while allowing us to get a new and better perspective on the matter. We know she hated Diana, we know Philip is pussy-whipped, and we know Charles (ably played by Alex Jennings) was/is a milquetoast. The rest is fiction based in likely fact, and if it has no basis in actual truth it still manages to do what you'd want if someone made a movie of your life; it humanizes, it tries to see beyond the obvious, and it doesn't take any pot-shots. And without settling to simply satisfy it also entertains.
Helen Mirren WILL get an Oscar nomination. What would be exciting is if Michael Sheen got some props! -Seriously, see Wilde! Great film!!
NOT that the Oscars are the be all end all, but if it raises his profile, good for us!
Okay, I'm done.
I hope you'll see it and tell me what you thought.
Come back and comment here and tell me your feelings.
posted by johnnykocktail at 11:58 pm
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