The Queen (film)

The Queen

Teaser poster
Directed by Stephen Frears
Produced by Andy Harries
Christine Langan
Tracey Seaward
Francois Ivernel (executive producer)
Cameron McCracken (executive producer)
Scott Rudin (executive producer)
Written by Peter Morgan
Starring Helen Mirren
Michael Sheen
James Cromwell
Helen McCrory
Alex Jennings
Roger Allam
Sylvia Syms
Music by Alexandre Desplat
Cinematography Affonso Beato
Editing by Lucia Zucchetti
Studio Granada Productions
BIM Distribuzione
Pathé Renn Production
France 3 Cinéma
Canal+
Distributed by Pathé Pictures
Miramax Films
Release date(s) 2 September 2006 (2006-09-02) (Venice)
02006-09-15 15 September 2006
(United Kingdom & Italy)
02006-10-18 18 October 2006
(France)
Running time 97 minutes
Country United Kingdom
France
Language English
Budget £9.8 million ($15 million)
Gross revenue $123,384,128 [1]
Preceded by The Deal (2003)
Followed by The Special Relationship (2010)

The Queen is a 2006 British-French historical drama film directed by Stephen Frears, written by Peter Morgan, and starring Helen Mirren as the title role, Queen Elizabeth II. Released almost a decade after the event, the film depicts a fictional account of the immediate events following the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, on 31 August 1997.

The main plot focuses on the differing views in how to deal with the death of Diana. The Royal Family, while on their summer residence at Balmoral Castle, sees her death as a private affair, not to be treated as an official Royal death, in contrast with newly-elected Prime Minister Tony Blair and Diana's ex-husband Prince Charles, who attempt to reflect the public wish for an official expression of grief. Matters are further complicated by the media, royal protocol regarding Diana's official status, and wider issues about republicanism. The views of Diana's sons throughout the film are only portrayed through other characters.

The film's release was coincided by the time of a revived public sentiment with respect to the monarchy and a downturn in fortunes for Blair, with his resignation coming less than a year after the film's premiere. Actor Michael Sheen reprised his role as Blair from the Channel 4 television film The Deal, and did so again in The Special Relationship. The film also earned critical and popular acclaim for Mirren, and some controversy as she had previously refused a CBE in 1996,[2] only to accept a DBE in 2003. Mirren praised the Queen in her Academy Awards acceptance speech,[3] and was invited to dinner at Buckingham Palace on 10 May 2007, but declined to attend due to filming commitments in the United States.[4]

Contents

Plot summary

The film begins after the 1997 British general election, which saw Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) elected as the United Kingdom's Labour Party Prime Minister. While sitting for an official portrait, the Queen (Helen Mirren) talks with the artist about her regret at not being allowed to vote. She is slightly wary of the new prime minister and his pledge to "modernise" the country, but Blair promises to respect the Royal Family. When Blair visits Buckingham Palace to kiss hands, the Queen follows custom and asks him to form a Government in her name.

Three months later, Diana, Princess of Wales died in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris along with her companion Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul. Blair's director of communications, Alastair Campbell (Mark Bazeley), prepares a speech in which Diana is described as "the people's princess." Blair gives the speech the next morning and the phrase catches on. Over the next few days, millions of people in London erupt in an outpouring of grief at Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace. Meanwhile, the Royal Family were still at Balmoral Castle, their summer estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Diana's death sparks division among members of the family. The Royal Family observes that, since Diana is divorced from her husband, Charles, Prince of Wales (Alex Jennings) a year earlier, she is no longer royalty. The Queen insists that the funeral is a "private affair" and is best left to Diana's noble family, the Spencers. Charles argues that the mother of a future king cannot be dismissed so lightly. Following her mother's suggestion, the Queen eventually allows the use of an aircraft of the Royal Flight to bring Diana's body back to England. Charles ensures that his ex-wife's coffin is draped with a Royal Standard instead of remaining uncovered.

In London, flowers pile up along the palace railings, forcing the changing of the Queen's guard to use another gate. British tabloids become inflammatory about the lack of a statement from the Royal Family. Charles leaves no doubt that he shares Blair's views about the need for a statement. As the Royal Family's ratings plummet, Blair's popularity rises, to the delight of the his Anti-Monarchist advisers and wife Cherie (Helen McCrory). However, Blair does not share these sentiments. While disagreeing with the Queen's course of action, he begins to develop an admiration for her. Blair disagrees with his wife's views and tells her that a Republican Britain is ludicrous. He also angrily denounces the anti-royal disdain of his Labour Party advisors and has accused Diana of having tried to destroy everything for which the monarchy stands for. Blair calls the Queen at Balmoral and recommends measures to regain public confidence to the monarchy, attend a public funeral for Diana at Westminster Abbey, fly a Union flag at half mast over Buckingham Palace, and speaking to the nation about Diana's life and legacy in televised address.

Blair's recommendations outrage other members of the Royal Family including Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (James Cromwell) and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (Sylvia Syms). Philip is surprised that Elton John is asked to attend and sing a song, "Candle in the Wind" in Diana's memory. They view such steps as an undignified surrender to public hysteria. The Queen seems concerned about this and although she shares their feelings, she has doubts as she closely follows the news. Speaking with her mother, the Queen believes that there has been a shift in public values and that perhaps she should abdicate. The Queen Mother dismisses the idea saying that she is one of the greatest assets the monarchy has ever had, stating: "The real problem will come when you leave." She also reminds her daughter of the promise she made in Cape Town, South Africa, on 21 April 1947, her 21st birthday, in which she promised that her "whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong..." At Balmoral, Philip attempts to distract his grandsons William (Jake Taylor Shantos) and Harry (Dash Barber) from their mother's death by taking them deer stalking. While venturing out alone in her Land Rover, the Queen damages the vehicle while crossing a river and is forced to telephone for assistance. She weeps in frustration, but catches sight of a majestic Red Deer which her grandsons have been stalking. Hearing a distant gunshot, she shoos the animal away. The Queen decides to carry out the recommendations of Blair. While preparing to return back to London, she is horrified to learn that the deer has been killed on a neighbouring estate, and sees the stag and is upset at its loss.

In the film's climax, the Royal Family returned back in London to inspect the floral tributes. The Queen also speaks about Diana's life and legacy on live television, and describes Diana "an exceptional and gifted human being." Two months later, Blair visits Buckingham Palace for a weekly meeting. The Queen has regained her popularity, but believes she will never quite fully recover from "that week." She cautions Blair that one day he too will find that public opinion can rapidly turn against him, and declares that times have changed and that the monarchy must "modernise." When Blair suggests that he can help with this, The Queen replies: "Don't get ahead of yourself, Prime Minister. Remember, I'm supposed to be the one advising you".

Cast

Actor/Actress Role Notes
Helen Mirren HM The Queen This film is the fourth time that Mirren has portrayed a British queen: the first was a queen consort, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in The Madness of King George (1994), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress; the second was a queen regnant, Elizabeth I, in the 2005 miniseries Elizabeth I. She also played a police woman undercover as the Queen in The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu.
Michael Sheen Prime Minister The Rt Hon Tony Blair MP Sheen had previously played Blair in the Channel 4 television film The Deal, also directed by Frears and written by Morgan. He reprised his role again in The Special Relationship.
James Cromwell HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
Helen McCrory Cherie Blair QC Tony Blair's wife
Alex Jennings HRH The Prince of Wales Diana's ex-husband
Roger Allam Robin Janvrin (later Lord Janvrin) In this film, Janvrin is Private Secretary to the Queen, although he was the Deputy Private Secretary at the time of Diana's death.
Sylvia Syms HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother
Tim McMullan Stephen Lamport Private Secretary to Charles, Prince of Wales
Mark Bazeley Alastair Campbell Director of Communications and Strategy for the Prime Minister
Douglas Reith Lord Airlie Lord Chamberlain
Jake Taylor Shantos HRH Prince William of Wales Diana's sons
Dash Barber HRH Prince Harry of Wales
Laurence Burg Diana, Princess of Wales Most of the scenes involving Diana were shown entirely in archive news footages. The actress playing Diana was only shown once: boarding a car outside of a hotel in Paris before the crash. Her face was not shown throughout the entire film.

Production

Filming

The screenplay was written by Peter Morgan and produced by Pathé Pictures and Granada Productions (ITV Productions). Stephen Frears had a clause in his contract from The Deal that allowed him to direct any follow-ups or sequels, and he was officially announced as director in September 2003.[5] The film was shot on location in the United Kingdom, in England in London, Halton House and Waddesdon Manor, in Buckinghamshire, Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire and in Scotland at Balmoral Castle and Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire and Blairquhan Castle and Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire. Mirren says transforming herself into the Queen came almost naturally after the wig and glasses, since she shares a default facial expression — a slightly downturned mouth — with the monarch.[6] She regularly reviewed film and video footage of Elizabeth and kept photographs in her trailer during production.[7] She also undertook extensive voice coaching, faithfully reproducing the Queen's delivery of her televised speech to the world. Morgan has said that her performance was so convincing that, by the end of production, crew members who had been accustomed to slouching or relaxing when they addressed her were standing straight up and respectfully folding their hands behind their backs.[6] Mirren arranged to spend time off-camera with the supporting cast playing other members of the Royal Family, including James Cromwell, Alex Jennings and Sylvia Syms so they would be as comfortable with each other as a real family.[7] Shots involving the Queen were shot in 35mm film and shots of Tony Blair were shot in 16mm film to enhance the contrast of different worlds.[8]

Television viewership and DVD release

ITV's role in the production of the film allowed them an option for its television premiere[9] and it was broadcast on 2 September 2007 (coinciding that weekend with a memorial service to Diana) to an average audience of 7.9 million, winning its timeslot.[10] The DVD was released in the UK on 12 March 2007. Special features include a making-of featurette, and an audio commentary by Stephen Frears, writer Peter Morgan and Robert Lacey, biographer of Queen Elizabeth II. It was released on Blu-ray and DVD in the USA on 24 April 2007. As of 30 September 2007, The Queen has generated DVD sales of over $23 million.[11]

Historical accuracy

Some aspects of the characters are known to be true to their real-life counterparts. Cherie Blair's hostility to the monarchy has been widely reported, including her refusal to curtsey.[12] According to Morgan, "cabbage" is an actual term of endearment Philip uses for his wife (and «mon chou» - “my cabbage” - is a standard affectionate nickname in French).[6]

Other elements represent characteristics associated with people depicted. The electric guitar seen behind Blair in his personal office is a reference to his past membership in the band Ugly Rumours while a student. The Newcastle United football jersey he wears to a family breakfast at 10 Downing Street is a reference to his support of that team. The film also shows Alastair Campbell coining the term 'the people's princess', when in reality it was Tony Blair who came up with it.[13]

The most notable inaccuracy is that Robin Janvrin is represented as the Queen's Private Secretary during the aftermath of Diana's death, but in fact that position was then occupied by Janvrin's predecessor, Sir Robert Fellowes, a brother-in-law of Diana, Princess of Wales; Janvrin was only the Deputy Private Secretary up until 1999 when he took the position of Private Secretary to the Queen. However, the film is accurate in depicting Janvrin as the person who delivered the news of Diana's accident to Her Majesty at Balmoral during the night.[14]

Reception

Box office

The film exceeded box-office expectations; with a budget of $15 million the film has earned $56.4 million in the United States and has a worldwide gross of $120 million.[15]

Critical reaction

Before the film was released, critics praised both Stephen Frears and Peter Morgan, who later garnered Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominations for Best Director and Best Screenplay. Michael Sheen's performance as Tony Blair earned him particular acclaim. Helen Mirren's portrayal garnered her acclaim from critics around the world. Her portrayal made her a favorite for the Academy Award for Best Actress well before the film was released in theatres. After its showing at the Venice Film Festival, Mirren received a five-minute-long standing ovation.[16] Roger Ebert came out of recovery from surgery to give the film a review. He called it "spellbinding" and gave it four out of four stars.[17] The Queen was the most critically acclaimed film of 2006 with Mirren being the most critically acclaimed actress of the year. The Queen has 97% positive reviews on the film-critics aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.[18]

Top ten lists

The film appeared on many US critics' top ten lists of the best films of 2006.[19]

General top ten

Awards and nominations

Helen Mirren won at least 29 major awards for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II, many of which are listed below. She was nominated for at least 3 more.

Academy Awards record
1. Best Actress (Helen Mirren)
Golden Globe Awards record
1. Best Actress (Helen Mirren)
2. Best Screenplay
BAFTA Awards record
1. Best Picture
2. Best Actress (Helen Mirren)

79th Academy Awards (2006)

2006 British Academy Film (BAFTA) Awards

2006 Screen Actors Guild Awards

2006 Directors Guild of America Awards

2006 Writers Guild of America Awards

2006 Producers Guild of America Awards

64th Golden Globe Awards

2006 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards

2006 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards

2006 New York Film Critics Circle Awards

2006 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards

2006 National Society of Film Critics Awards

2006 Satellite Awards

2006 National Board of Review Awards

2006 Chicago International Film Festival

2006 British Independent Film Awards

2006 Venice Film Festival

Soundtrack

The Queen
Studio album by Alexandre Desplat
Released September 26, 2006
Recorded 2006
Genre Soundtrack
Label Milan
Professional reviews
Alexandre Desplat chronology
The Singer
(2006)		 The Queen
(2006)		 The Painted Veil (2006)

The soundtrack album was released on the Milan label on 26 September 2006. The original score and songs were composed by Alexandre Desplat and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The album was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score. It was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music (lost to the score of Babel).

  1. The Queen – 2:09
  2. Hills Of Scotland – 2:25
  3. People's Princess I – 4:08
  4. A New Prime Minister – 1:55
  5. H.R.H. – 2:22
  6. The Stag – 1:50
  7. Mourning – 3:50
  8. Elizabeth & Tony – 2:04
  9. River Of Sorrow – 1:59
  10. The Flowers Of Buckingham – 2:28
  11. The Queen Drives – 1:48
  12. Night In Balmoral – 1:09
  13. Tony & Elizabeth – 2:04
  14. People's Princess II – 4:08
  15. Queen Of Hearts – 3:33
  16. Libera Me (Verdi) – 6:27

References

  1. ↑ "The Queen". Box Office Mojo. Internet Movie Database. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=queen.htm. Retrieved June 27, 2010. 
  2. ↑ Helen Mirren declines CBE, The Times
  3. ↑ Helen Mirren at the Oscars, news.scotsman.com
  4. ↑ Mirren 'too busy' to meet Queen BBC News, 10 May 2007
  5. ↑ Wells, Matt (2003-09-17). "Frears on board for new Deal". Media Guardian. http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1043439,00.html. Retrieved 2007-08-31. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Gritten, David; 9 September 2006; 'I do look a bit like the Queen, you know'; The Daily Telegraph; retrieved 26 November 2006.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Levy, Emanuel; The Queen according to Frears, emanuellevy.com; retrieved 26 November 2006
  8. ↑ The Queen DVD Commentary
  9. ↑ Manzoor, Sarfraz (2007-02-27). "The power behind the throne". The Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/feb/26/mondaymediasection.film. Retrieved 2007-06-28. 
  10. ↑ Leigh, Holmwood (2007-09-03). "Queen commands 8m for ITV1". Media Guardian. http://media.guardian.co.uk/overnights/story/0,,2161528,00.html. Retrieved 2007-10-04. 
  11. ↑ Movie The Queen - Box Office Data, News, Cast Information - The Numbers
  12. ↑ Rayner, Gordon; 21 April 2006; That b**** Princess Anne; The Daily Mail; retrieved 26 November 2006.
  13. ↑ Tony coined the 'people's princess' 09 Jul 2007, The Daily Telegraph.
  14. ↑ Junor, Penny (2005). The Firm: The Troubled Life of the House of Windsor. London: HarperCollins. ISBN 0-00-710215-1.
  15. ↑ The Queen :: Lee's Movie Info
  16. ↑ Marin Independent Journal - Dame Helen Mirren's appearance at Mill Valley Film Festival fit for 'The Queen'
  17. ↑ The Queen Movie - Official DVD Website
  18. ↑ The Queen - Movie Reviews, Trailers, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes
  19. ↑ "Metacritic: 2006 Film Critic Top Ten Lists". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/film/awards/2006/toptens.shtml. Retrieved 2008-01-08. 

External links

Interviews
Awards and achievements

{{succession box |

 before = Brokeback Mountain after = Atonement title = BAFTA Award for Best Film years = 2007
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Diana, Princess of Wales
Family
Charles, Prince of Wales (husband) · Prince William (son) · Prince Harry (son) · John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer (father) · Frances Shand Kydd (mother) · Raine Spencer, Countess Spencer (stepmother) · Lady Sarah McCorquodale (sister) · Jane Fellowes, Baroness Fellowes (sister) · Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer (brother)
 Coat of Arms of Diana, Princess of Wales (1996-1997).svg
Charity and politics
Princess of Wales · International Campaign to Ban Landmines · Ottawa Treaty · Landmine Survivors Network
Marital events
Wedding · War of the Waleses · Camillagate · Squidgygate
Death
Dodi Fayed · Henri Paul · Funeral · Conspiracy theories · Operation Paget
Memorials
Candle in the Wind · Concert for Diana · Diana Memorial Award · Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain · Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund · Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground · Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk · The New School at West Heath
Cultural depictions

Diana: Last Days of a Princess · The Diana Chronicles · The Queen · Diana: Warrior Princess · Princess Diana's Revenge · Henrietta Hunter
Tony Blair
Politics
Premiership · Blair Ministry · Criticism · Blair–Brown deal
TonyBlairBasra.JPG
Ideology
Blairism · Third Way
General elections
1997 · 2001 · 2005
Party election
1994
Shadow Cabinet elections
1992 · 1993
Post-premiership
Quartet on the Middle East · Africa Progress Panel · Tony Blair Faith Foundation
Books
A Journey
Family
Cherie Blair  · Euan Blair · Nicky Blair · Kathryn Blair · Leo Blair  · Leo Blair (senior) · William Blair (judge)
Cultural depictions
The Deal (2003) · The Queen (2006) · The Trial of Tony Blair (2007) · The Special Relationship (2010)
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Films directed by Stephen Frears
1970s
Gumshoe (1971) · Bloody Kids (1979)
1980s
The Hit (1984) · My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) · Prick Up Your Ears (1987) · Mr Jolly Lives Next Door (1987) · Sammy and Rosie Get Laid (1987) · Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
1990s
The Grifters (1990) · Hero (1992) · The Snapper (1993) · Mary Reilly (1996) · The Van (1996) · The Hi-Lo Country (1998)
2000s
High Fidelity (2000) · Liam (2000) · Dirty Pretty Things (2002) · Mrs Henderson Presents (2005) · The Queen (2006) · Cheri (2009)
2010s
Tamara Drewe (2010)
Works of Peter Morgan
Television
Shalom Joan Collins (1989)1 · Rik Mayall Presents…: "Mickey Love" (1993) · The Chest (1997) · Metropolis (2000) · The Jury (2002) · The Deal (2003) · Henry VIII (2003) · Colditz (2005)2 · Longford (2006) · The Special Relationship (2010)
Film
The Silent Touch (1992)1 · Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence (1998) · The Last King of Scotland (2006)3 · The Queen (2006) · The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) · Frost/Nixon (2008) · The Damned United (2009) · Hereafter (2010) · Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (in pre-production)4 · Bond 23 (in development)
Shorts
Dear Rosie (1990)1
Theatre
Frost/Nixon (2006)
1 With Mark Wadlow · 2 With Richard Cottan · 3 With Jeremy Brock · 4 With John le Carré