By Andrea K. Hammer
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, dramas about her extraordinary life and lineage reveal the complexities facing the monarchy. The following productions offer a glimpse into the personal lives of the Royal Family, leaving viewers wondering how they balance this side of daily existence with weighty public demands and thinking about the phrase “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”:
The Crown
This Golden Globe winner for Best TV Drama Series, which Peter Morgan created, features outstanding actors including John Lithgow embodying Winston Churchill and a host of others previously enjoyed in Upstairs Downstairs, Lark Rise to Candleford and Cranford. The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a child and follows her experiences as a 25-year-old newlywed dealing with the death of her father, the King. As she assumes the role of a world leader, viewers gain a greater understanding of the personal and public challenges that the Queen navigated with grace and dignity.
The Queen
As winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, Helen Mirren transforms herself into Queen Elizabeth II in this film. Capturing trademark gestures, postures and movements with precision, Helen Mirren explores the public conflict that the Queen encountered after the sudden and tragic death of Princess Diana. Along with solid performances by James Cromwell as Prince Philip and Michael Sheen as the new Prime Minister Tony Blair, The Queen was recognized for the best screenplay by Peter Morgan at the Golden Globes and Venice Film Festival.
Victoria & Abdul
Highlighting the later years of the great-great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, this movie addresses Queen Victoria‘s frustrations with the constrictions required in her long-held role. Based on the true story about her non-traditional friendship with a young clerk from India named Karim (Ali Fazal), Victoria & Abdul reveals their tender and loyal connection, which helped the Queen (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) experience joy again. With masterful performances from both actors, this film explores the fulfillment of her personal needs after a long period of loneliness.
Mrs. Brown
As Queen Victoria, Judi Dench once again tells the tale of the royal’s unconventional relationship with an attendant who cared for her horses. Based on her true-life story, the Queen’s friendship with John Brown (Billy Connolly) resulted in scandal. The two actors powerfully express the pair’s determination to maintain their bond despite major objections.
Can you think of other memorable dramas about the monarchy? How did they help you understand the personal and public challenges facing the Royal Family?
