The Crown is back for its long-awaited fifth season with an all-new cast led by Academy Award nominee Imelda Staunton. The revered British actress steps into the shoes of Queen Elizabeth II for the show's final two seasons, following in the footsteps of Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.
Elizabeth II is a highly respected figure in many places around the world, making Staunton's job daunting and difficult to fulfill. However, the accomplished actress remains as brilliant and engaging as ever, capturing Elizabeth II's main traits and mannerisms and bringing them to life respectfully and with touching empathy.
Elizabeth II's Trademark Voice
Queen Elizabeth II has an instantly recognizable voice tone. Tempered, measured, and overly posh yet naturalistic and flowy, her tone changed over the years. Unlike her young self, whose words sounded precise and even prepared - something Claire Foy nailed in her performance - the older Queen Elizabeth's voice was more natural.
Imelda Staunton perfectly captures the Queen's characteristic voice. Her deep, commanding tone and precise cadence shine throughout every scene, presenting the Queen as a wise and experienced figure surrounded by people who seem blatantly unprepared for their roles within the system.
Elizabeth II's Gravitas
Throughout her seventy-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II always behaved with propriety. Her gravitas was world-celebrated, with many considering her the ultimate embodiment of class, duty, commitment, and grace. She never faltered or made a wrong move in the eyes of many, setting the bar extremely hard for anyone to follow.
Staunton's predecessors, Olivia Colman and Claire Foy, already gave two of the best portrayals of Queen Elizabeth II. However, Staunton is their equal in every way, delivering a nuanced and commanding performance as the Queen. Staunton captures the monarch's dignity, conducting herself with solemnity throughout every scene, even during the Queen's moments of solitude.
Elizabeth II's Energetic Attitude
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Even as the years went by, Queen Elizabeth II remained active and energetic. She was famous for her long walks accompanied by her dogs. The Queen was never a passive observer; instead, she loved doing things on her own.
The Crown season 5 starts with a reminder of Queen Elizabeth's age and increasing health issues, but it never presents her as vulnerable or suffering from any health condition. On the contrary, she remains as active as ever, and Staunton brings a wonderful sense of physicality into her performance.
Elizabeth II's Dutiful Self
The Crown remains one of the best series about Queen Elizabeth II because of its successful mix of prestige drama and creative liberties. However, despite the occasional detour into melodrama, the show remains celebrated because it is faithful to the things that count.
Staunton's portrayal of Elizabeth II's commitment to duty is the perfect example. Her performance perfectly encapsulates the monarch's responsibility toward the Royal Family; her admiration and dedication to the institution. Queen Elizabeth II was always a paragon of duty, and Staunton understands that.
Elizabeth II's Introversion
Unlike her spirited sister, Margaret, Elizabeth II was a reserved and introverted individual. She didn't enjoy spectacle and fiercely protected her privacy. Although she became more approachable in later years, she always remained an elusive and somewhat puzzling figure.
The Queen stays mysterious in season 5 of The Crown. Staunton maintains the monarch's walls, although she does show more vulnerability than her predecessors. Still, Elizabeth II remains an introvert in Staunton's hands, with the actress maintaining the Queen's distant and guarded facade.
Elizabeth II's Emotional Stability
Most TV shows and movies based on Princess Diana's life focus on the emotional turmoil she experienced during her time with the Royal Family. On the contrary, the projects based on Queen Elizabeth II showcase her emotional stability and capacity to maintain a cool head despite the unstable times she endured throughout the '90s.
Staunton does an exceptional job of portraying the Queen's steadfastness. She is steely and somewhat unreachable, a true icon and the pillar upon which the entire Royal Family stands. It's not an easy job, but Staunton rises to the challenge and emerges victorious.
Elizabeth II's Rational Mind
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As the Queen of one of the world's most powerful nations, Queen Elizabeth needed to be highly rational. She always thought before she acted and conducted herself in a precise and calculated, almost distant way, allowing everyone to only see what she wanted to show.
The Crown respects this approach via Staunton's performance. The actress exhibits Elizabeth II's thoughtfulness and careful ways in every scene, presenting a decisive but rational Queen who never takes a step without thinking about every possible move she can make.
Elizabeth II's Authoritative Approach
Although she always remained polite and composed, the Queen was a genuinely authoritative and, some might say, intimidating figure. Elizabeth II was an institution by herself, the living, breathing embodiment of the crown.
Many scenes in season 5 allow Staunton to display this confident and imposing approach. The opening episode has a scene in which she speaks to the Prime Minister firmly and decisively, letting him know she means what she says and will not take "no" for an answer. Elizabeth II usually exercises restraint, but she isn't afraid to use her authority to make a point.
Elizabeth II's Pragmatism
Queen Elizabeth II embodied a sense of pragmatism. The sovereign was always a sensible woman who favored the practical approach over the more outlandish alternatives. Perhaps that contributed to her reputation as cold and unmovable, but it also meant she spent her reign as a consistent and dominant figure in her country.
The Crown is one of the best shows about a powerful queen, mainly because it has tremendous empathy for the woman at the story's center. The show and, of course, Imelda Staunton understand the Queen's role as a leader; she was forced to make all kinds of tough decisions, meaning she had to maintain a pragmatic approach to problem-solving.
Elizabeth II's Stoicism
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It's not easy being stoic. The infamous behavior doesn't come naturally to most people, but once mastered, it's hard to dismiss it. Elizabeth II was the poster child for stoicism, spending her entire reign putting on a brave face and letting the world know nothing about her personal life.
Perhaps this quality is the most important aspect of Elizabeth II's persona, and Staunton incorporated it into every aspect of her portrayal. Her Queen Elizabeth II is resolute and tough, unbreakable even. She endures the many scandalous problems plaguing her family with a brave face, knowing she represents something more meaningful and important than the occasional drama. It's why she was on the throne for so long and why many believe there will never be a monarch like her again.
Source:gamerant.com