This buoyant short film is made in France but represents British culture. What begins with the Queen’s hat getting blown into the wind turns into a mad dash around London for one of her dutiful guards, accompanied by her devoted corgi. Although the film is light-heartedly patriotic, there are important signifiers of inequality and heterogeneity that backdrop the guard’s faithful pursuit: a homeless man sits in a sleeping bag against a wall; a punk scowls in a park as the guard rushes by. The film is also notable for its references to the importance of London as a multicultural city. While the narrative of the pompous guard chasing the hat with the corgi is compelling and fun, some viewers may wonder if the real narratives of the film are hidden in these minor characters who we encounter along the way. This film also provides a clear way to discuss capital cities, the royalty, and the history and resonance of these two concepts. (Contains cigarettes).
