The Queen (2006)

Cast: Helen Mirren (HM Queen Elizabeth II), Michael Sheen (Tony Blair), James Cromwell (Prince Philip), Alex Jennings (Prince Charles)

Director: Stephen Frears

Genre: Biography/ Drama



I was never much into the politics of the Royal Family, nor interested in the doings and ramblings of Princess Diana. U.S. politics are enough of a burden and a headache. Why should I get concerned what those “Brits” are doing across the Atlantic. Still, I became eager to see this film as soon as I heard about its release. When I finally saw it- luckily it was playing close by to me as this movie was only showing in selected theaters- I was not disappointed. The acting and cinematography were outstanding. The casting was just as great. The "Royal" politics depicted were very interesting and even more so was how various characters alluded to the conspiracy regarding the Royal family's involvement in Diana's death. The movie revolves around the Royal family's reaction or apparent lack thereof- particularly on the part of Queen Elizabeth- to the Princess Diana’s death in 1997. Tony Blair had just been elected the British Prime Minister and his first task is an unexpected one. The Princess is killed in a motor caravan, which had been flocked by paparazzi. He has to console a Britain that is both grieving a loss and angry at their Queen for remaining silent towards the whole situation. He tries as best he can to get the Queen to make a public statement showing her sympathy. The Queen on the other hand claims the best way to deal with the princess’s death is with silent mourning and dignity. She claims such as the wishes of Diana's family. The Queen's refusal to make a public appearance seems based mainly on her resentment of the Princess. She falls into a sort of "tug-o-war" with Blair on one side hoping for a statement and her own family and best interests for her grandkids on the other side encouraging her to remain silent. All the while, she tries to remain serious and dignified in both the public eye and the eyes of those around her. There is so much truth and mystery in this whole story. As far as I know, this film is quite accurate with regards to the situations presented. It seems that it wasn't acceptable that Princess Diana was involved with the Muslim millionaire Dodi Al- Fayed. The possibility that she could have married him and become pregnant with his children- heirs to the throne- was completely deplorable for the Windsor family. That Muslim children could have claims to the throne through their mother was intolerable and for good reason, too. Hence, the speculation arises that the Royal Family was involved with Diana's death. In the film, the Queen makes the claim more than once that Diana was “no longer a member of the royal family”. It never did make sense how paparazzi could cause such a fatal car crash in a tunnel. However, this is the story that was presented to the media. In the film, various subtle allusions are made regarding the Royal Family's involvement but it is left up to the audiences to decide. There is just one question that came to me at the end of the picture. What did the Queen herself think of this movie? Was she amused at all? All in all, excellent film!