I took Mom to watch The Queen this weekend, and I can definitely say it's the first Oscar shoo-in I've seen this year. Actually, I'm a little confused on the rules for eligibility. Can a British film be considered for the "traditional" Oscar Awards, or only a "Best Foreign Film" (The Academy is, after all, an American institution) ... I seem to recall it's the film's language (English or not) that qualifies it for consideration, but is there anything about the production, or financing, too?
Anyway ...
The film focuses on the Royals' reaction to Princess Di's death, juxtaposing it non-public display of emotion (something the Queen, played by the stunning Helen Mirren, believes the British are renowned for), with the public's need for inclusion in their grief. Playing both sides is the newly elected Cheshire Cat, Tony Blair (played by the uncanny doppelganger, Michael Sheen).
You can read all about the movie's merits in other (read: better qualified) websites, and so I would rather focus on the character portrayal I found most interesting - Prince Charles. Now maybe I'm colored by my own perception of him (the man after all left a fairy-tale beauty for ... well, enough of that). But he's portrayed as a caring, and mature, heir who recognizes the need for the Royals to modernize, but is emasculated next to his charismatic mother. Personally, I only believe the last bit. I almost started to wonder if Charles had a hand in the financing, as a PR stunt to woo more of the British public into changing their opinions of him.
But all told, a fine, fine film. Given the serious subject matter, it comes as a surprise to find flecks of humor, and some vicious trash talk, peppering the script. I think my favorite line was when Blair was running for the door when his secretary tells him Gordon Brown's on the phone. He responds, "Tell him to wait."
If you didn't get that ... well, you need a lesson in New Labor's political maneuvering over the last decade.
Can a British film be considered for the "traditional" Oscar Awards
yes... remember 'The Full Monty'? That was in the mainstream race for best film that year
Posted by: | October 09, 2006 at 06:15 PM
sorry,... that was me.. didnt realise i hadnt identified myself
Posted by: Vee | October 10, 2006 at 12:09 AM
How weird ... your IP address is Melbourne, Australia.
Posted by: Axe | October 12, 2006 at 08:04 AM
no kidding?? wow... at least its someplace warm n sunny :P
Posted by: Vee | October 12, 2006 at 11:10 AM
I saw the movie based on this review and genuinely did enjoy it. Thanks!
Posted by: Michael J. West | October 18, 2006 at 09:39 AM
Glad you enjoyed it, Mike ... Hope Erin did too!
Posted by: Axe | October 18, 2006 at 11:56 PM