I found it hell to watch a tortured Princess Diana splitting apart in Spencer, the latest film from Pablo Larraín (Jackie).
Spencer is a fairy tale. It re-imagines three days over Christmas as the royal family gathers at Sandringham to celebrate the festive season, a decade after Diana (Kristen Stewart) was first invited there. Now she’s in the depths of despair. She’s in a loveless marriage to Prince Charles (Jack Farthing); and he’s having an affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles (Emma Darwall-Smith). Diana is told what to do and when to do it. There’s no fun, no joy – just a straitjacketed existence in the lap of luxury.
It starts badly when Diana – having ditched her security detail – drives herself to Sandringham and finds herself hopelessly lost. When she finally works out where she is, it’s not too far from where she needs to be. But then she spots a familiar scarecrow, just over a ridge from the now-condemned home where she grew up. It carries many happy memories. The scarecrow wears a weather-beaten jacket that her father used to wear. Diana decides to retrieve it. So, by the time she arrives at Sandringham, she’s frightfully late.
Major Gregory (Timothy Spall), a former military man now employed by The Firm to keep everything ship-shape, meets her. He invites Diana to maintain tradition by subjecting herself to a unique form of weigh in, something she’s loath to do. Each family meal from then on in is accompanied by a specially chosen dress or gown. These formalities rile her. Also, Charles has gifted Diana the same set of pearls he gave Camilla. These represent a tightening noose around her neck.
The equerry has conveniently left a book about the Queen Anne Boleyn (beheaded on the order of King Henry VIII) next to her bed. After starting to read it, Diana sees herself in a parallel situation. Even when she confides in people she trusts, her conversations become common knowledge … and are held against her. The only spark Diana receives is from her two sons, whom she loves dearly.
Kristen Stewart is mesmerising in the lead role. In many scenes it’s just her and the camera … and she shines as a deeply troubled and scarred young woman. Jack Farthing plays Charles as cold and heartless. Stella Gonet is the standoffish Queen. Timothy Spall is his usual polished self as Gregory, a man who sees all and has a duty to keep the wheels of establishment turning. Sally Hawkins excels as Diana’s favourite dresser and confidante, Maggie. Jack Nielen comes across as caring and protective as William.
Spencer is slow-moving, but deeply affecting. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, it’s been superbly woven and realised by Larraín. The alluring script is by Steven Knight (Locke). Larraíns build tension in virtually every scene. Adding to the feeling of unease is the evocative score by Jonny Greenwood.
Spencer shines a spotlight on the monarchy, which comes out looking decidedly ordinary. However, Kristen Stewart is anything but ordinary. Her performance is worthy of an Oscar nomination.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Timothy Spall (Mrs Lowry and Son) – interview
- Mrs Lowry and Son – movie review
- Charlie’s Angels – movie review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.