“Their lenses are more like microscopes, really. And I’m the insect in the dish. See, they’re pulling my wings and my legs off one by one- making notes on how I react.”
Kristen Stweart, Spencer
Spencer
Starring: Kristen Stewart
My Rating: ★★★★
Spencer is a historical, psychological drama taking place amidst the failing marriage of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. It focuses on a Christmas weekend with the Royal Family at the Queen’s estate, where Diana and Charles’ relationship is demonstrably cold and failing. While rumors of Charles’ affair with Camilla circulate, Diana’s mental state suffers greatly as she feels suffocated by the constraints of royalty. Princess Diana understands the rules of such social gatherings, but this particular year, she intends for things to be different.
While watching Spencer, I found the film to be very conceptually interesting. The idea of solely focusing on one of Diana’s most psychologically challenging moments provides a creative opportunity to dissect her experience with the Royal Family. Similarly, the film effectively portrayed the claustrophobia that Princess Diana presumably felt around the Royal Family. It depicted her as free-spirited and personable with her children but constrained and tense near others like her husband, Charles. Kristen Stewart also played the role of Princess Diana seamlessly.
With films about Princess Diana, there is bound to be criticism. Many distasted the film because Diana’s children, Harry and William, are still alive and might come across the work. Similar to historical figures like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana’s story has been exploited and told to death. This prompted others to criticize the film for not letting her Rest In Peace. I however have other criticisms: I feel as if the film portrayed Diana as whiny and entitled, which I know was not accurate of her personality and was most likely not the film’s intention.
Spencer provides an extremely interesting and nuanced perspective on Princess Diana’s departure from the Royal Family. It was spectacularly told and beautifully directed by Pablo Larraín and cinematographer Claire Mathon. I recommend watching this film at least once, especially if you are interested in “drama” about the Royal Family or a fan of Princess Diana.