Revealing a film fit for a queen
While intriguing, ‘The Young Victoria’ embellishes the details of royal life
By Fenna Wächter
Staff Writer
“The Young Victoria” is a slow movie, but still a winner thanks to two things—Paul Bettany as Prime Minister Lord Melbourne and camera shots that could pass as paintings of the time.
As the title suggests, the story is about the early years of British Queen Victoria, and the main focus is her romance with future husband Prince Albert.
Victoria’s mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), is the king’s estranged sister-in-law and has an affair with her housekeeper, Sir John Conroy (Mark Strong), who strives to rise through the ranks in society.
Since Victoria (Emily Blunt) is next in line for the throne, Conroy’s future aspirations are based on the assumption the old king will die in time, allowing him and the Duchess, as her guardians, to take over and rule the country.
Blunt stars in her first major role after appearances in “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Charlie Wilson’s War.” Her lack of experience as a leading lady does not show at all in her performance, and she masters the transformation from the doe-eyed young princess torn between conflicting interests to a more mature young queen discovering whom she can really trust.
Victoria’s predecessor on the throne, King William (Jim Broadbent), is brilliantly, if only shortly, portrayed.
Broadbent depicts William as a friendly and jovial man who adores Victoria. Still, he does not shy away from publicly chastising those he despises, namely the Duchess of Kent.
Within a few moments, Broadbent transforms the king from an amicable old man into a raging monarch, displaying a wide range of acting skills in his limited screen time.
King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann) sends over the young Prince Albert (Rupert Friend), his nephew, to marry Victoria for political purposes.
Initially following Leopold’s directives, he soon discovers he has true feelings for Victoria, and the story follows a predictable path henceforth, though Jane Austen-esque obstacles are planted in the young lovers’ way.
After ascending to the throne, Victoria finds a friend and adviser in her prime minister, Lord Melbourne. Looking a good few years older than he did as Chaucer in “A Knight’s Tale,” Bettany still manages to charm the young queen, igniting rumors about a love affair. Though that claim is unfounded, the young woman still holds on to him against the will of the British people, sparking controversy and even civil unrest.
The film’s painting-like images, like the silhouette of a lonely Albert in front of the palace for instance, make an impression on the viewer. Slowly moving into focus, the images evolve. Having focused on the dazzling display of crystals and diamonds during a dinner party at the king’s palace, the shot reveals a crowd within a hazy blur, melting away glitz and glamour.
Even real royals participated in the movie about their great ancestress. One of the queen’s ladies in waiting is actually played by Princess Beatrice, a granddaughter of the current English queen, Elizabeth II, and fifth in line to the English throne.
Historians will cringe at times and frown upon the artistic elements added to true events, especially when it comes to the final, dramatic scene. But if you are looking for some light entertainment with a few beautifully crafted dresses and outrageous hats, “The Young Victoria” will not disappoint. Best to leave the boyfriend behind though, ladies.
