THE YOUNG VICTORIA WILL MAKE YOU SWOON

Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend and the Duchess of York.

The lovely Emily Blunt & Rupert Friend.

Saw the Young Victoria directed by Montrealer Jean-Marc Vallee (if you haven't seen C.R.A.Z.Y. do yourself a favor and netflix it) a few weeks ago. I didn't expect to be so moved by it. I feel this film will slowly sneak up on people and be remembered in years to come. It's beautifully put together and the chemistry between Emily Blunt (as the Queen) and Rupert Friend (as Prince Albert. I wonder if the piercing is attributed to him?) is palpable. In fact, watching Rupert emerge onscreen, I felt how I should've felt about Orlando Bloom years ago. Let me explain: Orlando was supposed to be the next one, and he might be, but he hasn't shown it yet. Rupert is the new Orlando Bloom, kinda like Matt Damon usurped Chris Odonell's roles---Rupert will do the same to Orlando. Watch for Rupert in the future. He owns in this film. Girls will swoon for him.

What can I say about Emily Blunt: She's a great actress who's always interesting to watch and easy on the eyes as well. She's the full package. Blunt is what Carey Mulligan aspires to be. I was moved several times throughout the film and my Wife couldn't stop crying through most of it. The love story works. The attention to period detail is exacting. This film is everything Bright Star wishes it was. Young Victoria is a beautiful film that, I hate to admit, made me swoon. It had Titanic moments of romance and heartbreak. It worked.

Afterwards, there was a great Q & A with Blunt, Friend, The Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson and legendary uber producer Graham King. King basically said this film happened due to the undying tenacity of the Duchess who pestered him for 10 years to make the film. Take heed neophytes-- never give up. Even Royals have trouble jump-starting their dream projects. Ferguson was charming as hell during the Q & A, as she proclaimed that even she was in awe of the stars and bright lights of Hollywood. Which confirms my new belief that Royal Blood doesn't hold the same sway it did in the early part of the last century. Hollywood stars are the Nouveau Royalty. Status and money isn't enough, you have to be a star to be somebody in the "aughts". But that's a discussion for another blog. The Duchess also recounted how she used her Royal connections to secure actual locations that the story took place in. And it shows, the film looks and feels damn authentic.

I'll finish by relating the director's extreme and genuine joy at seeing the finished product on the big screen. He was both thrilled and humbled by the proceedings. A true Montrealer. Watch out for Jean-Marc Vallee, he's a force to be reckoned with.

Your Friend,

D.