CHASING THE ROYALS: THE MEDIA AND THE MONARCHY

Cinemavixion Review

This documentary, "Chasing The Royals: The Media And The Monarchy," offers a sharp, often darkly humorous, examination of the symbiotic and tumultuous relationship between the British Royal Family and the press that chronicles their lives. Drawing parallels to a dysfunctional marriage, the film vividly illustrates how the royals and the media are inextricably linked, each relying on the other for relevance and sustenance, despite their mutual animosity. The narrative delves into the strategies employed by journalists – from "sting operations" to "hacking voice mail" – to secure the coveted "royal scoop," a commodity that reliably fuels newspaper sales. It highlights the inherent paradox faced by the monarchy: the need for public engagement to legitimize their existence versus the desire for privacy from intrusive media scrutiny. Through anecdotes and insights, including quotes from figures like Prince Philip and former Daily Mirror editor Roy Greenslade, the film exposes the lengths to which the media will go and the "disastrous results" that can ensue when the stars of Britain's longest-running soap opera court the very attention they often resent. The documentary, released in 2011, effectively captures the ongoing tension and media maneuvering that defines the modern monarchy.