Spencer (2021)

About Spencer

Spencer is a critically acclaimed drama film that was released in 2021. The movie, directed by Pablo Larraín, is a creative imagining of the Christmas weekend in the early 1990s when Princess Diana decided to end her marriage to Prince Charles. The narrative unveils how during her last Christmas with the British royal family at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, Diana decides that she needs to end her decade-long marriage to Prince Charles due to his unfaithfulness amidst her deep sense of pain and isolation.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Chilean director Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight. Production for the film started in January 2021 in Germany and England with an ensemble of Hollywood greats. The filmmakers strove to create a sensitive portrayal of the real-life events.

Actors

• Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana - She masterfully plays the quintessential English Rose, Princess Diana. Her portrayal encapsulates the mixture of vulnerability and strength that characterized the late princess.
• Jack Farthing as Prince Charles - He portrays the dignified yet detached role of Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.
• Sally Hawkins as Maggie - Delivering a solid performance, she plays Diana's sympathetic dresser, providing emotional support that juxtaposes with the impersonality of the court life.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title "Spencer" refers to Princess Diana’s maiden name.
• Though it deals with real characters and settings, the movie is largely a work of fiction.
• The film was mainly shot in Germany, not England.

Awards

As of this writing, the movie has been nominated for several awards, including Best Actress for Kristen Stewart's performance at the Venice International Film Festival.

Quotes

• "You know, they can't hurt you. Unless you let them."
• "Will they kill me, do you think?"
• "There's no hope for me, not with them."

Music, Soundtrack

• Jonny Greenwood, best known as the lead guitarist of Radiohead, composed the film's score, which serves as a poignant backdrop to the narrative.
• Some of the notable songs in the film's soundtrack include "All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison and "Piano Concerto No. 2" by Rachmaninoff.