The Queen DVD Commentary
The Queen (2006) has a delightful commentary track.
Helen Mirren deservedly won her Oscar, and this film by director Stephen Frears and writer Peter Morgan is truly ambitious because they’re recreating the personalities and situations of royals who are still alive. It’s interesting to see how a traditional institution has to grapple with an emerged culture in which celebrity is created by the media.
I don’t usually watch the commentary tracks on DVDs, but one of the two on this DVD is that of royal historian Robert Lacey. He does a brilliant job explaining the theme of the movie as well as which of the details are accurate, which are effectively made for symbolism, and which he doesn’t agree with. He believes this movie, which I thought had a lot of anti-monarchical fodder, actually increased sympathy for Elizabeth II in Britain.
In addition to another commentary track featuring both director and writer, the DVD also has a short “The Making Of…” divided into three sections. Part One is “Playing Real People,” in which cast members talk about how they approached their roles. Part Two is “The Design,” about recreating Balmoral Castle in Scotland and the royal and PM’s residences in London. Part Three is “That Week,” about what the cast and filmmakers’ thoughts were back in 1997 right after Diana’s death.
Even if you already liked The Queen during its theatrical release, you’re sure to be able to glean something new in listening to the commentary track on the DVD.