Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt supremely portrays a smothered girl, dreaming for an unrestricted life, who, at age 18, accedes to immense power as the Queen of England. Despite Blunts’ flawless performance, The Young Victoria is not entirely without its imperfections.
With the goal of bringing an unconventional period film to the screen, the films’ French-Canadian director, Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y), concentrates on the details to sustain an accurate, yet edgy, historical account.
His efforts would have been better served to define his story. Is it a political thriller, beset with royal intrigues? Or, is it about the passionate love match, between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which lead to a successful ruling partnership? In trying to deliver both, the film lacks sufficient depth as a result of its’ divided focus.
Born To Rule
In 1837, Victoria (Emily Blunt) is the only daughter of widowed Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson). She is, also, the sole heir to the English throne, now held by her dying uncle, King William (Jim Broadbent). This uniqueness leads to an over-protective childhood for the young royal.
Her mother and her bullish advisor, Conroy (Mark Strong), institute defensive measures, such sleeping in her mother room and never stepping down the stairs without holding the hand of an adult, to safeguard her life. The couples’ careful attentions also serve their own political ambitions. If they can manipulate an under-aged queen, they rule the country.
Meanwhile, an unsophisticated teenager longs for freedom from her palatial prison and her controllers. This opportunity is realized after the king dies. As she enjoys her new power, and learns to manage it, her adversaries have increased dramatically. Now, Victoria has royal families and political leaders seeking to pull her strings.
Lonely At The Top
While, it’s difficult to discern friend from foe, she chooses to lean on her charming prime minister, Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany), who has his own agenda. Adding to the courtly plots, is her uncle, King Leopold of Belgium (Thomas Kretschmann). He has been coaching her cousin, Albert (Rupert Friend), to woo her, for, who controls a women better than a husband?
Unexpectedly, a bond develops between the two, while under watchful supervision by their matchmakers. Victoria confides her frustrations, from all the scheming plots surrounding her, with him over a symbolic game of chess. Albert advises the inexperienced monarch to “learn to play the game better than they can.”
However, the new queen intends on remaining unmarried, until she finds such an arrangement necessary, believing she is “stronger than she looks”.
After, experiencing disfavor from her countrymen, Victoria comes to need and accept Alberts’ genuine affection and support. As it’s her right, she proposes to her ardent suitor. Together, they learn to balance their marriage and royal station.
Victoria and Albert’s love story beautiful and enthralling, thanks to the wonderful chemistry between Blunt and Friend. Nevertheless, the film flatly progresses, with the exception of a few sudden frights, then, just as abruptly, ends.
The Cast and Crew of The Young Victoria
“The Young Victoria” stars Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Rupert Friend (Pride and Prejudice), Paul Bettany (The Da Vinci Code), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jim Broadbent (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull), Mark Strong (Sherlock Holmes) and Thomas Kretschmann (King Kong).
Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée. Screenplay by Academy Award-winning Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park). Cinematography by Hagen Bogdanski (The Lives of Others). Edited by Jill Bilcock (Moulin Rouge, Elizabeth). Production designed by Patrice Vermette. Costumes designed by Sandy Powell (The Aviator, Shakespeare in Love).
The films’ love theme song, entitled “Only You”, is performed by Grammy-winner Sinead O’Connor.
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