Diana

The British press has panned Diana with some of the choicest of words.  But then again, one can expect this kind of panning from the Brits because they are usually never satisfied with a product especially if it is a Biopic about someone British.  And if directed by someone German then all hell apparently breaks loose as we have seen here.

Very little good has been spoken about the movie directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel who honestly is not the most celebrated directors of our time.  The surprising part is that there was lots that was well done.  To begin with, how Diana (Naomi Watts) looks and behaves is quite similar to the Princess of Hearts. Check out this article and the pictures along with it - http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/film/7212631/Watts-reveals-Princess-Di-makeover

Next up is Naomi Watts’s performance that has definitely earned her a nomination this year if not the eventual Oscar (Cate Blanchett it seems has no competition this year with Blue Jasmine).  There is a sincerity associated with Watts in all her former roles and it is if anything even more magnified with Diana.

The editing keeps the movie to around 100 minutes when more could have been justified as well for a life that we would all have loved to know more about.  The movie doesn’t become too melodramatic at any times.  Poignant yes.  Melodramatic no.  It covers the last 2 years of Diana’s life and her love affair with a Pakistani heart surgeon Dr. Hasnat Khan followed by her friendship with Dodi Al Fayed.

I cannot call myself an expert on Diana’s life in any manner and have only written matter over the www to refer to.  There are several conflicting versions from all concerned parties and so I cannot verify the authenticity of the story.  However, if we consider what was shown to be true then Diana falls short only a bit on the intensity.

I would encourage you to take a look for at least Watts’ performance which is really good.  One cannot help but feel for the Princess in her final days and Watts does a fabulous job in establishing a connect with the audience on that count.  7 on 10 is what I am going with and I would encourage you to have a dekko.

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1800317209/?ref_=tt_ov_vi