Greetings again from the darkness. Although not one of those Americans mesmerized by every move made by the Royal Family, I have long admired Queen Elizabeth II for the manner in which she conducted herself in public. Having served as Monarch for seventy years at the time of her death, the Queen displayed a rare and much appreciated decorum throughout her lifetime in the public eye. In fact, director Fabrizio Ferri begins the film by asking citizens to describe her in one word, and what we hear is no surprise: consistency, constraint, strong, constant, respect. Obviously, she was Queen for the entire life of most British citizens, so her passing was an emotional jolt.
Rather than produce a traditional documentary on her life, director Ferri instead opts to use Paola Calvetti's 2019 book, "Elisabetta II, Ritratto di regina" as the focus (pun intended). With apologies to the Kardashians, supermodels, and Tom Brady, it's likely that Queen Elizabeth has been the most photographed person on Earth since she ascended the throne. In contrast to the usual chronological lifeline, we get a fascinating look at some of the photographs and photographers ... those that have recorded history via Royal portraits.
Actor Charles Dance is the (often) on screen narrator, and even he and the photographers being interviewed are shot with artistic lighting. Elizabeth and her family had early photos taken by Marcus Adams and Cecil Beaton, and we hear directly from many of the later photographers such as Brian Aris, Jason Bell, Julian Calder, Chris Levine, David Montgomery, and John Swannell, and their insight is often quite intimate and enlightening. One of the best is when we are told that once you photograph the Queen, no other subject will ever be intimidating for the photographer. The only segment that seems out of place is the interview with Susan Sarandon, who recalls meeting the Queen. This comes across as a disruptive celebrity inclusion meant to appeal to American viewers, rather than a contribution to the film.
The film is a brisk one hour and fourteen minutes, and is a stellar balancing act between the actual portraits (some which we've seen, others we haven't), those shooting the portraits, and insight into the world-famous woman at the center. Dating back to her coronation and the eleven-pound bejeweled crown, Queen Elizabeth II's presence was that of style, grace, and dignity. The pictures don't lie.
Available on digital beginning September 5, 2023.
