Review of Mrs Brown (1997) by Ld P — 01 Jan 2010

While on an extended stay at Balmoral Castle & still in mourning over the death of her beloved Prince Albert, Queen Victoria (Judy Dench) meets Mr. Brown, a member of her household staff who thinks the time has come for her to start living a normal life.

He soon gains the Queen's favor & friendship & his authority & status in the household are soon on the rise. This creates concerns among the Queen's many advisers who see their own influence diminishing & the Queen's reputation being tarnished.

As a result, they move to ensure Mr. Brown's future influence in the household is kept in check. Although Dench (M in the Bond films) she has not been in many movies. She had long been one of the big stars of the London dramatic Stage.

This was her first film role. She is very strong in this role of Queen & it really suits her, she plays it with gusto. Billy Connolly playing Brown is not well known in film. He had been mainly a stand-up comic.

There is no comic mannerism in his role as Brown which he plays manliness & determination (& breaking many rules) He befriends the Queen & getting her out of her depression due to the death of her husband.

They become close intimate friends & long for a sexual relationship but that is impossible due to the bounds & constraints of life imposed on a queen. Such a beautifully done film. Great cinematography Great sets great art directions & really it's a fine story also.

The impossibility of their relationship grabs you. So much is going beneath the surface of the Queens guarded homelife. Brown & Victoria's relationship develops & deepens slowly & naturally, & credit must be given to both of the lead actors, Judi Dench & Billy Connolly for their extraordinary performances.

They just get better & better as the film goes on. The film is an entertaining history lesson that wisely leaves the true nature of their relationship open to interpretation. This is really a truly great film & great story & more people should see it.

5 stars.