Mirren carries The Queen movie to its triumph

The Queen

Director: Stephen Frears

Cast: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, Sylvia Syms, James Cromwell

Cert: PG

Mirren picked up the Best Actress award at the recent Venice Festival for her electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth in this drama based on the events surrounding the death of Princess Diana.

It is a surprisingly effective behind-the-scenes look at the confusion, uncertainty and – on the disgraceful part Prime Minister Tony Blair played in the drama, doing another of his customary self-seeking, vain-glorious acts – self-promoting that went on.

Nobody really had the faintest idea what to do for the best – except for Blair, who was looking out for himself and his image – but in typical Brit fashion everybody somehow muddled through.

At the time the Royals did not emerge with much credit, but ironically it is now Blair whose reputation lies in ruins.

An interesting, if unusual film then. The wonderful Mirren carries it to its triumph.

Star Rating: 4/5