bow down...

despite rampant laziness, the monday movie has NOT died. it just took a long and slothful hiatus...

bleah

this week took us to the Chez Artiste to catch this movie...which is worth all the hype. Helen Mirren has already snapped up six best actress awards this year for her portrayal of QEII during the months following the death of Princess Di in 1997. the movie is actually kinda short - clocking in at 97 minutes - and not overly dramatic. it basically shows the struggle between the stiff upper lip monarchy and the more hip and youthful movement of PM tony blair's labour party. while the monarchy chooses to maintain perfect composure, the newly elected Blair has to figure out a way to tell her highness that aloofness would not be advisable during this period of sorrow. his suggestions finally are taken to heart, effectively saving face for the royal family in front of millions of mourners. the actions that her majesty took on behalf of her family ultimately transformed the monarchy's usual stoic façade into a compassionate one.

it was a very well made movie. i'm a little biased though. the director, Stephen Frears has always been one of my favorites. he has directed many notable movies over the past 20 years, such as 'Dangerous Liaisons'...'The Grifters'...'The Van'...'High Fidelity'...'Dirty Pretty Things'...and 'Mrs. Henderson Presents.' he's not the most prolific director but when he makes a movie, it's usually pretty good :)