A right royal drama
Mirren dazzles at Venice Film Festival
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Monday, 04, Sep 2006 02:31
Helen Mirren has wowed critics with her latest film, The Queen.
Touching on a high-profile controversial subject, the film follows events after the death of Princess Diana and the relationship between the Queen and the prime minister.
It has received one of the warmest receptions at this year's Venice Film Festival, rivalled only by Scarlett Johansson's The Black Dahlia, with the audience giving Mirren a standing ovation.
Looking regal in a floor-length cream dress and diamonds at Venice this weekend, Mirren displayed the grace that has helped her win such acclaim for her role as Britain's monarch.
The 61-year-old actress admitted that research into the royal family has changed her anti-monarchy stance and that she "slowly fell in love" with the Queen.
Investigating events surrounding the death of Princess Diana particularly had an impact on the actress, making her realise how strong the Queen can be.
"I think of all the things the Queen has gone through, the psychological traumas of the war years, ten prime ministers, the same hair even, but she's had the same values, the values of duty first, self last and that constancy is extraordinary," she said.
"That's why she was so thrown after Diana died, and of course those values she stands for are ones we cherish now."
Opening in cinemas on September 15th, The Queen also stars Michael Sheen and Helen McCrory as Tony and Cherie Blair.
Although undeniably serious in nature, the film has had audiences laughing at the often witty exchanges between the royals and politicians.
The film, which was written by Peter Morgan, relies on inside information and articles written by those close to the royal family for its sources.