Mrs
Brown Queen Victoria, the world's most
powerful woman. John Brown, a simple Scottish Highlander. Their extraordinary
friendship transformed an empire.
At
a time supposedly "bright" for British cinema, all we seem
to get as a result of this is Hugh Grant or "gritty" comedies
about out of work people (Full Monty) or closing pits (Brassed Off).
How refreshing then to watch a British film that does what British films
used to do- tell a story well and do it with some damned fine acting. Mrs Brown is ostensibly the tale
of Queen Victoria's (Dame Judi Dench) relationship with her Scots manservant,
John Brown (Billy Connolly); a relationship that verged on scandal at
times, but which essentially boiled down to a firm friendship and mutual
respect. John Brown saw the queen through some of the tougher
times of her long reign, especially the death of her beloved husband,
Prince Albert. This is a lovingly crafted piece
of art as much as a film, beautifully shot and directed, with all the
trappings of Victorian Britain brought to life before us. Judi
Dench is magnificently regal as Victoria, aloof and restrained, yet
all the time showing the edges of the real person beneath, while Billy
Connolly casts off his manic stage presence to turn in a splendid performance
and the quietly-spoken, yet assertive Highlander. There are several
good supporting performances too, notably from Geoffrey Palmer as Ponsonby. This is a great film to get
lost in- handmade, almost, in it's feel and spirit, it relies on good
acting and gorgeous camera work to get through it's essentially sad
story. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to watch a film
of craft and beauty, rather than a helter skelter rush through a flashing
world of images. DJY
STORYLINE:
76% ACTING: 92% SPECIAL EFFECTS: N/A CINEMATOGRAPHY: 94%
Overall:
88%
Best
Quote: You're
not eating enough. One must not let vanity overrule appetite.
Main
Cast List Judi Dench .... Queen Victoria Billy Connolly .... John
Brown Geoffrey Palmer .... Henry
Ponsonby Antony Sher .... Benjamin
Disraeli Gerard Butler .... Archie
Brown Richard Pasco .... Doctor
Jenner David Westhead .... Prince
of Wales ("Bertie") Bridget McConnel .... Lady
Ely Georgie Glen .... Lady Churchill Catherine O'Donnell .... Lady-in-Waiting Sara Stewart .... Princess
Alexandra Finty Williams .... Princess
Helena Claire Nicolson .... Princess
Louise Hattie Ladbury .... Princess
Alice Oliver Kent (I) .... Prince
Alfred
