Diana, 7 Days

Diana, 7 Days is a thought-provoking and poignant 2017 documentary that centers on one of the most tragic events in recent British history: the untimely and shocking death of Diana, Princess of Wales. This riveting film takes an in-depth look at the seven-day period following her tragic demise in a Paris car crash on August 31, 1997. It seeks to analyze not just the personal grief experienced by her two young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, but also the outpouring of shared national grief and the monumental shift in public attitudes towards the monarchy.

This impactful documentary skillfully interweaves candid and emotive interviews from those who were at the heart of these extraordinary seven days. The film features exclusive interviews with Diana's sons, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry, who share personal recollections of the events that followed their mother's passing. They touch upon topics like their feelings in the immediate aftermath, the week leading up to her funeral, and the experience of having to mourn in public.

Though it's deeply personal, the film is not purely focused on the royal family. Integral players give first-hand accounts that provide a layered perspective of these events. It includes reflections from family members like Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Diana's elder sister, and Lady Elizabeth Anson, her cousin. The film also presents the point of view of her staff, like her private secretary Patrick Jephson, her butler Paul Burrell, and her driver Colin Tebbutt.

Moreover, to portray a holistic view of the events, luminaries from the background scenes also share their experiences. Key personalities from the media industry, people from the government, and representatives of the Church have been interviewed. Together with the sentiments of common people, these myriad perspectives offer a rather detailed analysis of the shock, grief, and reactions that the entire nation, and beyond, faced after the tragedy.

Away from personal loss and grief, the documentary also captures the broader societal and national reaction. It deals with how Diana's tragic end managed to stir an unprecedented national mourning, and discusses the wave of public outrage directed at the paparazzi accused of pursuing her and indirectly causing the fatal crash.

"Diana, 7 Days" underscores a critical moment in British history when the stiff upper lip tradition was broken and a public outpouring of grief dominated. It shows how the days following Diana's death challenged the monarchy’s traditional stoicism, forcing them to adapt to a changing public sentiment. The heavy silence of the Royal Family in the immediate aftermath was critiqued by both the public and the media, and the documentary shows how the monarchy navigated through these tricky waters.

The film doesn't shy away from admitting and scrutinizing the Royal Family's initial silent treatment, thereby inviting a nuanced conversation on the interplay between privacy and public duty. It paints an honest picture of the strained relationship between the monarchy and the people, and how this event triggered a significant shift in that relationship.

In terms of content and execution, this documentary stands out in the once extensive field of Diana-centric films and programs. Simultaneously intimate, insightful, and respectful, this documentary refrains from sensationalism or exploiting the tragic event for commercial purposes. The documentary is beautifully directed by Henry Singer, a notable and respected master of the genre, whose previous projects include '9/11: The Falling Man' and 'Baby P: The Untold Story,' and produced by Sandpaper Films.

Overall, "Diana, 7 Days" is a touchingly human and historical documentary that illuminates a historic week that shaped the British monarchy's future and left a lasting impact worldwide. It strikes a balance between a personal story of loss, a critical examination of media ethics, and an analysis of a nation's mourning. It's a must-watch for those interested in the royal family, British history, and Diana's enduring legacy.