Mirren takes on gangster role

Helen Mirren is set to star as a gangster in Shadowboxer.

The film is a complete departure for the star, whose last big role was playing an outspoken member of the Women’s Institute in Calendar Girls.

She received rave reviews for the film in the US and it raised her profile considerably.

In Shadowboxer she pairs up with Ryan Philippe and they run a mother/stepson crime partnership.

She also stars in Raising Helen, a new comedy with Kate Hudson.