Spencer movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Spencer

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 57 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Described as “a failure from a true tragedy”, this movie attempts to tell the story of Princess Diana. It has already been nominated for several film festival awards in 2021.

During her Christmas holidays with the royal family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, Diana Spencer struggles with mental health problems and decides to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles.

The film was directed by Pablo Larrain and written by Steven Knight.

THINGS I LIKED:

Kristen Stewart trained for six months to perfect Princess Diana’s accent. She also watched the award-winning TV show THE CROWN to prepare. I LOVE that series! Her resemblance to Lady Di is a very good one. In an interview with Princess Diana’s former bodyguard, Ken Wharfe, he stated, “Out of all the people who have played Diana over the past 10 years, she’s the closest to her. She managed to perfect her mannerisms.” Princess Diana’s former chef, Darren Mcgrady agreed and said that her accent was “spot on”. After the first week of filming, Kristen Stewart, herself, said, “This is the best thing I’ve ever done. This is the most alive I’ve ever felt.” Do we smell an Oscar nomination coming for Kristen?
I love hearing about improvisation in movies. Apparently, the family game night scene is entirely improvised.
Impressive production design, costuming, hair & makeup. Kudos to all of those teams.
Fun fact: I share the same genealogy line as Diana Spencer.
There is a persistent grey filter over the entire film’s color palette, illustrating Diana’s gloomy state of mind.
Lovely musical score by Jonny Greenwood.
Enjoyable cinematography by Claire Mathon.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some people are going to have a hard time feeling sorry for a rich and famous princess. You basically spend almost two hours of your life watching Princess Diana feel sorry for herself.
I’m not sure what new information or perspective we’re given in this film. Are we any closer to understanding Lady Di or what she went through?

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Kids will be completely bored. So will some adults.
Some profanity, including F-bombs.
Portrayal of bulimia (Diana throws up several times)

THEMES:

Loneliness
Motherhood
Fame
Obedience
Freedom
Societal pressure
Duty vs. happiness

INTERESTING LINES:

“They’re pulling my wings and my legs off, one by one.” – Diana (Kristen Spencer)
“There really is no time for indulgence, Ma’am.” – Major Alistar Gregory (Timothy Spall)