He eventually succeeds too well, and takes her to her Scotland estate, where she refuses to venture south to England. Brown commandeers the Queen's staff, effectively becoming her chief advisor. A growing Republican movement threatens the throne. Cunning Tory Prime Minister Disraeli (Antony Sher) must convince the Queen (through Brown) to return to public duties.
How others will see it. This classy BBC production has an air of credibility throughout, despite presumed exaggerations in the character of the unsinkable Mr. Brown. For example, he shoves the Prince of Wales against the wall and screams at him. Very dramatic, but overly unpolitic. Said Prince has local toughs beat up Connolly, er, Brown, breaking three ribs but hardly keeping the determined Brown from missing daily quality time with her charmed Queen.
Anglophiles will love it, as will the "Masterpiece Theatre" crowd and those who think Dench is the greatest actress this side of Meryl Streep. Those who favor Billy Connolly in comedy roles will be both impressed and disappointed at the same time. And those who want the Royal family milked for juicy scandal will be really disappointed, although Dench does give Connolly an occasionally smitten glance.
How I felt about it. In a sense, this is a film about nothing. Impotent figurehead mopes in the castle. Then she goes to Scotland and overstays her vacation, although at last check Scotland was (and is) part of the United Kingdom. Brown's power, as a member of her syncophantic staff, rises then wanes. In the end, he's equivalent to a secret service member, no longer able to bend the Queen's ear.
One riddle to ponder is Brown's motivation. He seeks power over the staff, and over the Queen's schedule. He wants her to do what he wants. Does he do this for her personal gain, or for the Queen's health and safety? He professes the latter, of course, and his dedication is unquestioned. On the other hand, he sure enjoys barking orders at the staff. And he boasts, "I'm Her Majesty's Highland servant, indoors or out. There's no stoppin' me now!"
But Brown makes two mistakes. He places himself above the Prince of Wales, and he cannot see that keeping the Queen in his beloved Highlands threatens his power in addition to increasing it. England may rule the waves, but The Prime Minister and public opinion rule England. The Queen is just a figurehead, who belongs in Buckingham Palace for the sake of tourism.