Movie Review I wrote in 2007: The Queen - 3.5 out of 4.0 Stars

Many times when you think Oscar, your mind drifts to a showy performance that consists of an actor dramatically changing their appearance (Charlize Theron, Monster; Nicole Kidman, The Hours) or pushing conventional limits with edgy plots (Hilary Swank, Boys Don’t Cry; Halle Berry, Monster’s Ball) or showing a dramatically different side of their talents (Reese Witherspoon, Walk the Line; Cher, Moonstruck).

Helen Mirren employed none of these tactics in The Queen. She played an aging British woman from the most respected family in the UK and furthered her acting resume with another royal role. Additionally, the film represents a real life occurrence that my generation cared little about – we were too young to idolize Princess Diana’s life and too old to study her death in history class. Yet when Mirren took home Oscar gold, the movie goers of Generation X took interest.

Mirren’s portrayl of Queen Elizabeth II is neither warm nor comfortable, but this evolves into the strength of the movie. Although few people would link a British monarch and a Southern Belle, Mirren’s performance captivated me for the same reasons Vivien Leigh captivated hearts and the Academy with Gone with the Wind. The audience does not agree with the actions of either Queen Elizabeth II or Scarlett O’Hara in these movies, and that is not the filmmakers’ intent. Instead the beauty is that the actresses allow you to understand a character which society is so quick to judge.

Mirren’s understated performance draws you in with its simplicity. Just as the Queen did not originally feel a need to prove her intentions, Mirren’s portrayal does not try to prove that Elizabeth is good or bad. Instead, Mirren gives a humility and humanity to a royal façade few others have the imagination to see behind. The intentions of the character would have been lost or waylaid with an overly dramatic performance, and Mirren’s naturalness in the role presents a crystal clear view of what she believes the Queen felt during Princess Diana’s death.

There are few other aspects to note in this movie as the only reasons to watch are either interest in the royal family or interest in Helen Mirren’s performance. At times the script assumes the audience needs to be beat in the head with a point, which gives way to a few awkward symbolic moments. Also, Michael Sheen’s performance as Tony Blair is hardly inspiring though his character’s supposed motivations are interesting at times. When all is said and done, it is Mirren who makes the movie.

Those needing fast cars or fast plots should not take the time to rent this movie as they will regret their actions. Those who like elaborate sets or extravagant costumes also need not apply. However, those who watch movies for the truth of the characters and for the originality of a new viewpoint will not be disappointed. If you appreciated films such as Capote or Little Children, I would definitely add this to your Blockbuster list.

Movies Are Life. ~ K