Diana

Diana is a 2013 British biographical drama film based on the last two years of Princess Diana, the beloved princess of Wales. It showcases Diana’s life after her divorce from Prince Charles and until her tragic death. Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel and penned by Stephen Jeffreys, the film makes an attempt to portray a lesser-known and widely speculated phase of the royal's personal life.

Naomi Watts masterfully breathes life into the role of Diana, embodying her charisma, elegance, vulnerability, resilience, and the strong will that made the beloved princess a global icon. Her performance varies from relatable human moments to scenes filled with poignant emotion, capturing the strength and vulnerability of Diana.

The film focuses intensely on Diana’s personal life, steering away from the widely-known public image and political dynamics of the monarchy. It delves deep into her relationships, particularly her alleged love affair with Pakistani heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan, played by Naveen Andrews. The two characters are revealed to share a strong affinity, bonded by a shared sense of compassion and a desire to help others, even if flamboyantly.

Jeffreys' screenplay leans heavily on Diana's romance with Hasnat Khan, painting a picture of intense passion, struggle, and emotional turmoil. This is where the film assumes a more melodramatic tone, exploring the impossibility of their relationship against the backdrop of societal expectations, media surveillance, and personal conflict. As the film unfolds, it encapsulates the essence of Princess Diana being a woman seeking personal happiness, true love, and a sense of normality amidst an unnaturally high-pressured life.

While exploring the humane aspect of the princess, the film doesn't neglect her philanthropic pursuits in her post-divorce life. It displays her engagement with diverse charitable causes, especially highlighting her ambitious campaign against landmines, which is one of her most respected contributions globally.

The filmmakers take great care in depicting the iconic moments from Diana's life, from her famous fashion choices to her public appearances and interviews. Also, her interactions with the paparazzi, and the sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful relationship she had with them is quite meticulously crafted into the narrative.

Never veering into conspiracy theories about her tragic death, the movie stays rooted in its intimate portrait of the woman herself, ending before her fatal car crash. This factor contributes to giving Diana a more humanized and respectful tribute rather than stirring controversy around her demise.

However, it must be noted that although the movie tries to cover all bases, achieving a perfect balance between her public and private life, it sometimes fails to delve deep enough. Some critics felt that it offered only a shallow view of the Princess' life, failing to explore the impacting factors that shaped her life and character in greater depth. Equally, though, other commentators praised Naomi Watt's performance for bringing an undefinable character like Diana to life.

Despite this, Diana is an accomplishment. Not an easy life to tackle, especially considering the intense public scrutiny and speculation surrounding her life, the filmmakers manage to provide a sleek and somewhat authentic portrait that sets out to humanize rather than scandalize the princess. The performances, the extravagant production design, and the emotional depth of the narrative deliver an engaging biopic infused with romance, heartbreak, courage, and a bittersweet sense of loss and tribute.

In a nutshell, Diana is not just a tale of a global icon and a princess but a story of a woman who desired love, freedom, and a normal life while combating intense media scrutiny, her position responsibilities, and personal issues. The movie is sure to leave the audience contemplating the woman behind the princess, the human behind the icon, and the heart behind the crown, eliciting a greater sense of respect and affection for the People's Princess.