The Queen (2006)
Biography, Drama, History |.
The Queen is a British biographical drama film that depicts the death of Diana, Princess of Wales on 31 August 1997. Initially, the Royal Family regard Diana’s death as a private affair and thus not to be treated as an official royal death. This is in contrast with the views of Tony Blair and Diana’s ex-husband, Prince Charles, who favour the general public’s desire 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 film was directed by Stephen Frears, written by Peter Morgan, and starred Helen Mirren in the title role of Queen Elizabeth II. The film’s production and release coincided with a revival of favourable public sentiment in respect to the monarchy, a downturn in fortunes for Tony Blair, and the British inquiry into the death of Diana. Michael Sheen reprised his role as Tony Blair from The Deal in 2003, and he did so again in The Special Relationship in 2010.
The 1997 general election has Tony Blair elected as the prime minister from the Labour Party on a manifesto of reform and modernisation. Less than four months later, Diana, Princess of Wales is killed in a car crash at the Alma Bridge tunnel in Paris.
Immediately, her death presents problems for her ex-husband, Prince Charles, and Blair, to accord the mother of a future king that is no longer a member of the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II wonders if Blair will turn his modernisation pledge on to the royal family since he attempts to have her reconsider her views on the funeral plans. Diana’s family, the Spencers, called for the funeral to be private.
Director: Stephen Frears
Writer: Peter Morgan
Stars: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Alex Jennings, Helen McCrory, Sylvia Syms, Roger Allam
Cast:
| Helen Mirren | … | The Queen |
| James Cromwell | … | Prince Philip |
| Alex Jennings | … | Prince Charles |
| Roger Allam | … | Robin Janvrin |
| Sylvia Syms | … | Queen Mother |
| Tim McMullan | … | Stephen Lamport |
| Robin Soans | … | Equerry |
| Lola Peploe | … | Janvrin’s Secretary |
| Douglas Reith | … | Lord Airlie |
| Joyce Henderson | … | Balmoral Maid |
| Pat Laffan | … | Head Ghillie |
| Amanda Hadingue | … | Queen’s Dresser |
| John McGlynn | … | Balmoral Head Ghillie |
| Gray O’Brien | … | Charles’ Valet |
| Dolina MacLennan | … | Balmoral Switchboard Operator |
| Jake Taylor Shantos | … | Prince William |
| Dash Barber | … | Prince Harry |
| Michael Sheen | … | Tony Blair |
| Helen McCrory | … | Cherie Blair |
| Mark Bazeley | … | Alastair Campbell |
| Kananu Kirimi | … | Blair’s PA |
| Susan Hitch | … | Blair’s Secretary |
| Julian Firth | … | Blair’s Aide |
| Harry Alexander Coath | … | Euan Blair |
| Earl Cameron | … | Portrait Artist |
| Elliot Levey | … | TV Director |
| Anthony Debaeck | … | Catholic Priest |
| Emmy Lou Harries | … | Little Girl |
| Laurence Burg | … | Princess Diana |
| Michel Gay | … | Dodi Fayed |
| Wolfgang Pissors | … | German Reporter |
| Malou Beauvoir | … | American Reporter |
| Paul Barrett | … | French Bodyguard |
| Xavier Castano | … | French Bodyguard |
| Mohamed Al-Fayed | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Martin Bashir | … | Self (voice) (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Bill Clinton | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Tom Cruise | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Julie Eagleton | … | Woman in Crowd (uncredited) |
| Dodi Fayed | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| James Fiddy | … | No.10 Advisor (uncredited) |
| Tom Hanks | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Martin Heathcote | … | Secret Service (uncredited) |
| Elton John | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Forbes KB | … | Biker (uncredited) |
| Nicole Kidman | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Martyn Lewis | … | Self – Newsreader (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Nelson Mandela | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Alan Marsh | … | Extra (uncredited) |
| Trevor McDonald | … | Self – Newsreader (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Mae McDougall | … | Stalking Party (uncredited) |
| Nicholas Owen | … | Self – Newsreader (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Gavin Park | … | Royal Protection Officer (uncredited) |
| Camilla Parker-Bowles | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Luciano Pavarotti | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Princess Diana | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Tony Red Richards | … | Man in Crowd (uncredited) |
| Stephen Samson | … | Greenkeeper (uncredited) |
| Jon Snow | … | Self – Newsreader (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Julia Somerville | … | Self – Newsreader (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Earl Charles Spencer | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Steven Spielberg | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| David Starkey | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Tracey Ullman | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Ralitsa Vassileva | … | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
Sources: imdb & wikipedia