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Diamond Jubilee Celebration: Films About the British Monarchy

As a self-confessed Anglophile, I must say there is a bit of me that has a passing interest in what taking place on the other side of the Atlantic this weekend – Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee – a celebration of her 60 years as the head of the United Kingdom and its commonwealth. The American in me always was both fascinated and perplexed by the monarchy. But one must admit – it makes for interesting real-life drama. It is a subject ripe for translation onto the screen.

With that, here in no particular order are a few of my favorite feature films whose subject is the British monarchy.

 

The Young Victoria (2009)

Emily Blunt was stunning as the young Princess (Queen) Victoria. This film exceeded my expectations when I saw it in late 2009.

 

Elizabeth (1998)

This film was a lush, vibrant and MAGNIFICENTLY costumed drama, which earned Cate Blanchett an Academy Award nod for her portrayal of Elizabeth I.

 

The King’s Speech (2010)

Recipient of the 2011 Academy Award for Best Picture, The King’s Speech will probably be the best picture you will see about a speech impediment. Standout performances all around, with a fine turn by the lead actor, Colin Firth.

 

Lady Jane (1986)

Back in the day when Helena Bonham Carter was the “Queen of the Costume Drama” and Cary Elwes was not in Saw, this is a part of the Tudor story that is gripping and tragic.

 

The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)

Featuring Charles Laughton at his ribald finest; this is a fictionalized account of the Tudor monarch, but still a very entertaining watch.

For more on the Tudor dynasty check out my previous post titles Tudors on Film.

 

Do you have any favorite monarchy-related films?

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Happy Birthday Audrey!

Today marks the 83rd birthday of one Audrey Hepburn.

During my early years of becoming a classic film obsessive, for me, Audrey Hepburn became (and remains) the embodiment of old-school Hollywood grace and glamour. I made it a point to watch just about everything that she was in.

Off-camera I admired her big heart and her deeds that matched her generosity.

So in a sort ‘tribute’ to her life and career, I would like to list my favorite 5 6 performances (in no particular order).

Breakfast At Tiffany’s – While I do have some problems with the film, her performance in it is absolutely fantastic. And her style … flawless. I especially love the blonde streaks in her hair.

 

Wait Until Dark  – I have previously waxed poetic about this film so I will not go into too many details. But let’s just say it is one intense and well – played film.

 

Roman Holiday  – Well this one is on the list, just because of the classic that it is. Goodness all around; the ingénue at her most ingénue.

 

Funny Face  – It’ Paris in the springtime and it is also a bunch of singing and dancing; what’s not to love. Another display of Hepburn’s trademark style.

 

The Nun’s Story  – A well-paced, subdued performance marks a film with a final scene that remains indelibly etched in my cinematic memory.

 

My Fair Lady  – I just love the music, even if she is not singing.

 

Honorable Mentions: The Children’s Hour, Sabrina

 

Learn more about her career and her life by visiting her Official Website. And be sure to catch TCM today for their birthday tribute marathon to her.

 

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iluvcinema’s Take on 2011 in Motion Pictures

In these, the waning days of 2011, I decided to take a moment and reflect on the year that was in the world of motion pictures. Here in no particular order are some of the highs and lows:

(1) Battle: Los Angeles vs. Battle: South London

This is no contest – South London hands down! Thanks to the gem of a film Attack the Block. Sure the kids are not trained thesps, the budget was low and the aliens are basically fur balls with LED fangs, but they will win out every time to having Ne-Yo in my company of soldiers.

 

(2) Silence is Golden (and potentially Oscar-bound)

The Artist has captured hearts and minds the world-wide. It is a magical transport to a time and place too soon forgotten.

 

(3) The Last Time I Saw Paris …

Was at the cinema. Sure I went to Paris this summer, but the Paris of Woody Allen‘s imagination in the absolutely gorgeous Midnight in Paris was an experience that left a huge smile on my face.

 

(4) A Girl Walks Into a Bar …

… and I walk out. This Straight to YouTube feature (we are told the first of its kind) really bored me with its very self-aware level of quirk and supposed sharp, quick and witty dialogue.  But maybe that is the point, some people like that type of stuff. I am just not one of them.

 

(5) Year of The Fassbender (even GQ Magazine thinks so)

I think at the time of publishing this I would have seen just about every film that he had a principle role in: Jane Eyre, X-Men First Class, Shame and A Dangerous Method. He is getting all sorts of buzz, nominations and awards from his performance in Shame – yeah. And he does not seem to be slowing down in 2012. Worthy particular mention is the release of the hotly anticipated sci-fi horror Prometheus (directed by Ridley Scott).

 

(6) Superhero Schmuper-Hero

I am pretty much over superhero/comic book adaptations at this point. Things have gotten so that in 2011 when it was announced that we have two reboots of what we were told were already reboots (Superman and Spider Man) I was less than thrilled. Granted, I liked X-Men First Class and Captain America (but skipped Thor) and will probably skip a few that come along in 2012.

 

(7) So Long Dear Friends

I will not attempt to go through the list of all of those that were lost in world of cinema, so I will defer to the lovely and haunting tribute that TCM has put together in memory of ….

 

(8) Reading is Fundamental(ly) Rewarding

Readers this year were rewarded for their loyalty with some quality movies being released that are based on beloved books. This is one reason that Harry Potter, The Help, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, among others, occupy precious space on my bookshelf / Kindle Fire.

But I guess there is always an exception that breaks the rule:

Something Borrowed

 

(9) Who Knew? Ladies, We Can Be Funny Too!

Maybe the response to Bridesmaids was an overreaction due to the drivel that has  been  shoveled at us and called ‘comedy for ladies.’ And maybe it was not. I went to this film by myself and laughed quite a lot. Well done, Kristen Wiig and co! Let’s just hope that we do not have any downwind derivative comedies of a similar ilk (who am I kidding, eh)?

 

(10) Potter-ing is such Sweet Sorrow

What an epic end to a film and book franchise that I came to so late but wholeheartedly loved (insert sad face).

 

 

(11) And last but not least …

To all my faithful and loyal readers/commenters who have made it a pleasure this year for me to post my thoughts and reactions from the world of cinema.  Your voices have made this part of my life very rewarding and for that I sincerely thank you.

 

 

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