CNN Headline: Critics not amused by queen photo

[ellidew]

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/05/02/queen.portrait.reut/index.html

I actually quite like the portrait. In a way it seems dark... I actually think it quite nicely depicts the state of the world at war right now. Maybe I'm alone... I'm obviously not in agreement with 'the critics'.

[lawyerlee]

I honestly don't get the criticism. I think it's thought provoking, yet respectful. This is no where near as controversial as much of Leibovitz's work.

And what a stupid headline. Amused? I don't think that's at all what she was going for with this work.

[Rose]

I think it's lovely. I imagine the Queen wouldn't release it if she didn't approve of it.

[tenofcups]

I actually like it very much. Respectful of the queen and "traditional" at first glance, but still somewhat edgy with the dark background and the gathering storms outside -- yet the queen herself appears to have a kind of "glow." Obviously the queen is not going to allow herself to be photographed naked or in the bath or other ways that Leibovitz has photographed others ;) .

[Niobe]

Well, I'm not really "amused" by the photo either. But I do like it a lot. I think it's beautiful, very Victorian portrait looking.

I agree, dumb headline and nice photograph.

[Katie&Micah]

I really like that photo.. stunning.

[alisong]

And what a stupid headline. Amused? I don't think that's at all what she was going for with this work.The headline is a play on the famous quote from Queen Victoria, "We are not amused."

[SingleWhiteFemale]

If they dislike that photo, they would keil over dead if they saw the picture being used by DC's ABC affiliate on the 6pm news. Good heaven, it is the most unflattering picture I've ever seen of her! Here's a screen capture, it doesn't look too bad, but you really get the full effect on real TVl/larger screen.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a53/lizwigandt/queen.jpg

[meganth]

I don't know what the Washington Post critic was looking for. That photo is probably as avant garde as Annie could get with the queen.

[Sophia]

I liked it. Like others have said, it's very traditional but the lighting makes it a bit edgy. I thought it was appropriate and artistic.

[jnettie]

I think it's beautiful.

The only thing close to criticism I can come up with is that the photo is extremely intimate, making her look more human and vulnerable than a queen is thought to be.

[katmg]

I really like that photo. It has a very moody quality to it. Quite lovely actually.

[Toonces]

That's a beautiful photo! I love the unedited version w/ the clouds looming outside.

[kdotp]

I think it's brilliant.

[imagirliegirl]

Wow. I think it's gorgeous!

[Niobe]

That's a beautiful photo! I love the unedited version w/ the clouds looming outside.

I definitely prefer the unedited version for the same reason - the dark clouds gathering in the distance.

[Secret_Squirrel]

The critics are being stupid. What did they expect from a portrait from the queen?

I agree kdotp - it's brilliant. She sits in a traditional room, secure in the trappings of history and adorned in the garements of wealth, her position and the past. But to her left, the door is open. The storm clouds loom and the problems of the world and the changing times are streaming upon her. And her gaze, her attention, is directed out towards them. She sits alone in the center of her two worlds, the crossroads between duty, history and relevance. Is this a photo of England's last Queen?

Good job, Annie!

[dionysia]

And what a stupid headline. Amused? I don't think that's at all what she was going for with this work.

I think the headline was an attempt to be humorous by using Queen Victoria's supposed quote: "We are not amused."

In any case, I like the portrait. I think it is dignified, but the darkness symbolizes the very real troubles going on in the world today.

Di

[ellidew]

I'm glad i'm not the only one... i seriously thought i was missing something!

Secret_Squirrel- You more eloquently said exactly what i felt when i saw the portrait for the first time. Thank you.

I agree that it's brilliant. I also think it's timeless. It could've just been taken or it could've been taken hundreds of years ago.

[TX Sweetheart]

I agree... it's a great portrait... I don't get the criticism at all... seems stupid and nitpicky to me...

[sparkle&shine]

The critics are being stupid. What did they expect from a portrait from the queen?

I agree kdotp - it's brilliant. She sits in a traditional room, secure in the trappings of history and adorned in the garements of wealth, her position and the past. But to her left, the door is open. The storm clouds loom and the problems of the world and the changing times are streaming upon her. And her gaze, her attention, is directed out towards them. She sits alone in the center of her two worlds, the crossroads between duty, history and relevance. Is this a photo of England's last Queen?

Good job, Annie!

You perfectly described what I was thinking.

[MLA]

secret squirrel said it perfectly.

Can you imagine what the critics would have thought if Liebovitz had managed to photograph her naked or something? I'm sure there would have been an outcry about that.

It's a lovely portrait -- really artistic in a subtle way. Liebovitz is a genius.

[Sophia]

The critics are being stupid. What did they expect from a portrait from the queen?

I agree kdotp - it's brilliant. She sits in a traditional room, secure in the trappings of history and adorned in the garements of wealth, her position and the past. But to her left, the door is open. The storm clouds loom and the problems of the world and the changing times are streaming upon her. And her gaze, her attention, is directed out towards them. She sits alone in the center of her two worlds, the crossroads between duty, history and relevance. Is this a photo of England's last Queen?

Good job, Annie!

Yes, yes, yes!

[Liz]

I really liked it alot.

[wendalah]

Geez. From briefly scanning the story (including the "edited" version of the photo on CNN), I was expecting a bloody pieta with Marilyn Manson as Christ, or something.

[lawyerlee]

The headline is a play on the famous quote from Queen Victoria, "We are not amused."
LOL at myself. :o :D

[MsPeachy]

It's a great photo - the compostition and lighting are very artistic. Traditional yet modern. I definitely prefer the unedited version also.

I love how "critics" think they are such experts on everything. :rolleyes:

[meatpie]

Lovely photo. The first thought I had looking at the unedited version was that the Queen is no longer relevant. It has soemthing to do with the storm brewing outside, the coldness of the open door, and her sitting there in all her majesty sheltered and completely removed from it.

I could look at it for hours.

[MLA]

Geez. From briefly scanning the story (including the "edited" version of the photo on CNN), I was expecting a bloody pieta with Marilyn Manson as Christ, or something.


LMAO! Now that would be a sight.

[trestlegirl]

I think it's gorgeous!

The lighting and the open window make me think of Vermeer paintings.

And what a statement...stormy weather for the monarchy is on the horizon.

[sue-bert]

She sits in a traditional room, secure in the trappings of history and adorned in the garements of wealth, her position and the past. But to her left, the door is open. The storm clouds loom and the problems of the world and the changing times are streaming upon her. And her gaze, her attention, is directed out towards them. She sits alone in the center of her two worlds, the crossroads between duty, history and relevance. Is this a photo of England's last Queen?

Precisely.

My only possible explanation for the negative criticism:

Perhaps the critics are Buckingham Palace fans who fear that the composition challenges us to reconsider the appropriateness of an institution as decadent and functionless as the British monarchy in this day and age of geopolitical strife?

[phoenics]

I like the way it shows the Queen looking almost wistful for what's happening outside - as though the world is moving on without her - or that there is real trouble out there that the monarchy prevents her from taking part in. There is clearly this notion of sheltering from the storm.

I loved it.

[gayle]

I think it's a beautiful, regal and thoughtful photo.

I am surprised anyone would think otherwise.