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The Young Victoria (PG)

Queen of puddings

THE YOUNG VICTORIA
Cert. PG. 100 minutes approx.
Director: Martin Scorsese

The Young Victoria is an attempt to dramatise for the cinema the early years of Queen Victoria (played by Emily Blunt) from 1837 when she ascended the throne through to the birth of her first baby.

It has a few interesting themes. First, it tells the story of an 18-year-old coming to power while resisting the attempts of her mother and her adviser, Sir John Conroy, to force a regency. But, once crowned, who can the young queen trust? Lord Melbourne becomes her private secretary and has real affection for her but uses her to further his own political cause. But, secondly, the romantic angle is provided as Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (played by Rupert Friend) comes calling. His family are also trying to manipulate his future for their own ends as part of the European power games of the day.

And it is in this shared experience of pressure from others while seeking to be their own people that Victoria and Albert are drawn together. There follows the tension of resolving how a husband who is head of the family relates to a wife who is queen of an empire. And there is something of a hint that as the young couple assume power a tired and jaded nation is given a new start and new direction. That certainly rings bells for contemporary Britain.

However, basically the film is a confection. History is tampered with. Though the script is well written and far superior to that of, say, The Duchess, nevertheless many scenes seem played for visual effect more than anything else. And stopping in mid-life, the film has no punch line. If you enjoy costumes, candlelight and fine interiors, you’ll enjoy this; as welcome but as light as a good Victoria sponge.

John Benton