Nov 05, 2006 06:35 PM
1855 Views
(Updated Nov 05, 2006 07:07 PM)
Dir: Stephen Frears.
Cast: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Helen McCrory, Sylvia Syms.
Set in the week following the death of Princess Diana, Frears' latest depicts the backstage parley between Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) and Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren).
Cast your mind back to that fateful morning of September 1, 1997, when the whole world woke to hear the breaking news of Diana’s tragic death. It sent shockwaves around the globe, the likes of which hadn’t been known since Elvis finally left the building back in 1977. Within hours, every florist in England was sold out as tributes flooded the pavements outside Buck House. With emotions at fever pitch, the Royals closed ranks and headed north to the privacy of Balmoral.
Never one to miss an opportunity, the newly appointed PM jumped at the chance to make a name for himself as a major player in international politics. Coining the phrase The People’s Princess, Blair, aided by his wily PR guru Alastair Campbell (played by Tim McMullan), embraced the mood of the voters and won Prince Charles’ support.
The Queen and Prince Philip, on the other hand, proved much tougher nuts to crack. Clearly, they didn’t buy into this mass hysteria that threatened to destroy them. When a confused Philip (James Cromwell) exclaims, “Sleeping on the streets and crying over someone they never met — and they say we’re mad!” you know he’s got a point.
With conspiracy theories spreading like wildfire, it was only a matter of time before something had to give. The choices were simple — either break with protocol by agreeing to a public funeral or face losing the respect of her people. The rest, as they say, is history.
What I really liked about this film is how director Frears refuses to take sides, preferring instead to let us draw our own conclusions. A lot of credit must also go to writer Peter Morgan, whose brilliant screenplay is worthy of a knighthood in my book.
On the acting front, rising star Michael Sheen delivers a polished performance as young Tone — all shiny-teethed and hungry for a photo shoot. Helen McCrory is hilarious as Cherie Blair, as is screen veteran Sylvia Syms playing the Queen Mum. But top honours go to Prime Suspect star Helen Mirren. She nails the role of monarch and totally deserved to win Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. Her resemblance to The Queen is scary but I’m sure the real Her Maj will be flattered and maybe even slightly amused by Mirren’s sympathetic portrayal of her.
While Dame Helen takes the plaudits, the rest of us (over-15s) will undoubtedly find an irresistible fascination in this behind-the-scenes peek through the keyholes of Buckingham Palace, Balmoral and Number 10.
Of course, much of this is speculation - especially the scene at Balmoral, where the Royals hide themselves up away from the general public grief. The result plays like a bizarre dream impressionist Rory Bremner might have after a late-night cheese sandwich.
With Diana's death still fresh in the memory of millions, this film is an emotional trip.
