Review of The Queen (2006) by Andrew S — 10 Feb 2013

A film I have been avoiding for quite some time but Stephen Frears' film starring Helen Mirren and Michael Sheen is so much more specific in atmosphere and situation. The death of Diana throws the monarchy into danger due to their inability to publicize their grief and compromise their formalities.

The formidable Tony Blair steps in as both reformer and defender of the family and the institution they represent. What is notable about Frears' choices is the mixing of real stock footage of their funeral processions and responses and re-imaginings and the very clear colours and specificity and regality of items to reflect the resolute and clear cut monarchical infrastructures and atmosphere.

Overall, Mirren is simply captivating and Sheen gives perhaps his best performance of the 2000s. Final first time score: 9.3/10.