The Queen

A deliciously sharp yet also strangely poignant comedy of political manners, director Stephen Frears' Oscar-nominated The Queen recreates the tense though gradually thawing relationship that develops between Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren in her Oscar-winning role) and newly-elected Labour prime minister Tony Blair (the excellent Michael Sheen) in the wake of Princess Diana's death in 1997. Combining news footage with dramatic recreations, the wonderfully cagey script by Peter Morgan sets up a contrast between the old-school detachment and stiff upper-lip resolve of the monarch (and Prince Philip, hilariously played by James Cromwell), and the populist approach of Blair, whose heart-on-sleeve reaction to the tragedy proves far more attuned to the people's feelings than the crown's. The crux of the plot revolves around how the queen accommodates herself ever so slightly to the modern sensibility under gentle prodding from Blair and the self-centered but still genuinely concerned Prince Charles (Alex Jennings). At the same time, Blair—initially as dismissive of the royals as his “abolitionist” wife—comes to appreciate both Elizabeth's predicament and her history of service to the state, becoming her defender before an increasingly hostile staff and public (there's also a telling moment when Elizabeth remarks to Blair that one day the people will suddenly turn against him, too). Both wry and touching, The Queen is an unalloyed pleasure. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD extras include two audio commentaries (one with director Stephen Frears and writer Peter Morgan; the other—an especially informative track—by British historian and royal expert Robert Lacey, author of Majesty), a 20-minute “making-of” featurette, and trailers. Bottom line: a fine extras package for one of 2006's best films.] (F. Swietek)