REEL CRITICS:Looking into the silence

The current Royal Family of England has lived in a media goldfish bowl for decades. All their activities, relationships and mistakes are photographed by dozens of paparazzi and splashed on the front pages of tabloids every day.

But through all the embarrassing frenzy, the reigning Queen Elizabeth has always remained aloof, diligently maintaining the most reserved and formal of public images.

Her natural reticence was put to the test by the highly publicized and untimely death of Princess Diana. A near crisis for the monarchy developed, as the response of the common people overwhelmed the nation while the Royals retreated in silence to their Balmoral Estate.

“The Queen” takes us behind the political scenes during the critical week that followed Diana’s death.

Helen Mirren is certain to be nominated for her astounding portrayal of Queen Elizabeth. She captures every nuance of Elizabeth’s character so well that it seems you are watching the real queen in her most private moments.

James Cromwell is perfect as the aristocratic and pompous Prince Phillip. Michael Sheen is uncanny in looks and mannerisms as the newly elected prime minister, Tony Blair.

Their subtle and reluctant relationship is portrayed with great insight in a sharp screenplay that may also get a nod from Oscar.

This is a rare film that successfully captures the hidden details of a specific event in recent history. The outstanding acting and writing provide an exceptional platform for this compelling story. It’s one of the best films of the year.

Let me rephrase that. What if we accidentally put someone like TV’s Jon Stewart in the White House? What would be more alarming: his election, or the computer glitch that caused it?

This is the idea behind “Man of the Year,” starring the irrepressible Robin Williams, and it was a pretty clever one. Director and writer Barry Levinson, who directed the clever satire “Wag the Dog,” makes a strong start but then comes up tame.

Williams plays Tom Dobbs, who entertains audiences every night skewering politicians and current events. When millions of viewers suggest he run for President, Dobbs takes them up on the idea, although he has no illusions about winning.

Meanwhile, major corporation Dynacor has developed a new system to enable computerized voting nationwide. Bye-bye hanging chads, hello microchips.

The movie’s payoff is the candidates’ nationally televised debate. Here, Williams’ rapid-fire brain and delivery are showcased to hilarious effect.

Highly enjoyable are Christopher Walken as Dobbs’ droll manager, his wit as sharp as his cheekbones, and Lewis Black (“The Daily Show”) as his gleefully cranky head writer.

But then Levinson loses his nerve — and originality — and decides to go more mainstream. The plot suddenly goes all “Silkwood” on us when Dynacor software whiz Eleanor Green (reliable Laura Linney) discovers a major programming error. Her earnest whistle-blowing puts her in jeopardy and into Dobbs’ path.

Now we have reruns of “The American President” when the two start flirting. At least they didn’t drive off into the sunset in an RV.

Like so many political candidates, “Man of the Year” is not a bad movie. It just didn’t deliver on its promises.

Good start for ‘Man of the Year’; so-so finishImagine we have a joker for a president.