Queen

(2006)

RATING:	80%
FORMAT:	DVD

(Image: http://outnow.ch)

Subtle appreciation of the workings of political power in the UK with the explicit acknowledgement that it is more about image than emotional substance.

Despite the title, this is really more about Lady Diana Spencer and her affect on the British people - primarily as the result of her death.

(Image: http://outnow.ch)

The Royal Family is shown as completely out of touch with the British people and unwilling to accept that their position is merely the result of those very people’s voluntary acceptance of the concept of monarchy. Underlying it all is the realization that power is a chimera based upon a profound dependence upon those from whom one’s power is derived – the people – in either a monarchy or a republic.

This movie is also about what Britishness means – if it means anything – as Helen MIRREN stands out in a role that successfully humanizes the queen; while Michael SHEEN continues making a very able stand-in for Tony BLAIR (see also: The Deal & The Special Relationship).

Copyright © 2013 Frank TALKER. Permission granted to reproduce and distribute it in any format; provided that mention of the author’s Weblog (http://franktalker5.blogspot.com) is included: E-mail notification requested. All other rights reserved.