Email Us

Have  you  seen  The   Queen? I spent some of this Christmas weekend enjoying the new Helen Mirren movie "The Queen." I went with my Mom, who is visiting from England, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Since everyone knows the plot, the film is obviously character-driven, and is a fascinating (if fictional) insight into the Royal Family immediately after the death of Diana. Helen Mirren is, as always, superb, and entirely worthy of an Oscar nomination. James Cromwell is convincing as Prince Philip, if you can get beyond the memories of the many American roles he has played. My Mom did not recognize him, and she thought that he had a British accent, and captured the essence of Prince Philip very well. I was intrigued by the performance of Alex Jennings who was "spot on" as Prince Charles. It must be a terribly difficult role to play - very much a "less is more" fellow. Jennings even picked up some of Charles' mannerisms. I should also mention Michael Sheen who is excellent as Tony Blair. And for those of us who can remember w-a-a-a-y back to Sylvia Syms, you will see her as the Queen Mum.      The most memorable scene, for me, was when the Queen is out in the hills near Balmoral. We see her crying, but we never see her face. She turns and comes face to face with another creature struggling to balance tradition with the rapid change of the modern world - an enormous and quite magnificent stag. I highly recommend the movie. Do go and see it. Bits and Pieces Index Home Last Updated: December 22, 2006 ©2000-2006 DBE in Louisiana, Inc. All rights reserved. Questions/Comments? Contact the Webmaster Betty Calzada.