The Queen is an intimate behind the scenes glimpse at the interaction between HM Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair during their struggle, following the death of Diana, to reach a compromise between what was a private tragedy for the Royal family and the public's demand for an overt display of mourning.
Acting
Mirren's Oscar-winning transformation—every blink is calculated.
Writing
Peter Morgan's razor-sharp political chess dialogue.
Cinematography
Deer scene: isolation captured in one devastating image.
Director
Stephen Frears
Helen Mirren
The Queen
Michael Sheen
Tony Blair
James Cromwell
Prince Philip
Helen McCrory
Cherie Blair
Alex Jennings
Prince Charles
Roger Allam
Robin Janvrin
Sylvia Syms
Queen Mother
Paul Barrett
Trevor Rees-Jones
Tim McMullan
Stephen Lamport
Douglas Reith
Lord Airlie
Mark Bazeley
Alastair Campbell
Robin Soans
Equerry
Lola Peploe
Janvrin's Secretary
Joyce Henderson
Balmoral Maid
Pat Laffan
Head Ghillie
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Mirren prepared by watching footage of the Queen with the sound off to study body language alone.
The film sparked real debate in Britain about republicanism—New Labour aides reportedly used it to understand royal psychology.
GB
