Diana

Diana is a 2013 biographical drama film that tells the story of Princess Diana, one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. The movie focuses on the last two years of her life, during which she had separated from Prince Charles and was pursuing a romantic relationship with Pakistani heart surgeon Hasnat Khan.

The movie stars Naomi Watts as Diana, while Naveen Andrews plays Hasnat Khan. The supporting cast includes Cas Anvar as her close friend Dodi Fayed, and Douglas Hodge as Paul Burrell, her butler and confidante.

The film starts with Diana's divorce from Prince Charles and her ensuing struggle with depression and loneliness. Her children provide her with some consolation, but she craves a deeper connection. This is where Hasnat Khan comes in. They meet in a London hospital, where Diana is visiting a friend. Khan is immediately struck by her beauty and charm, and she is similarly fascinated by his intellect and compassion.

As their relationship progresses, they must navigate the challenges of a cross-cultural and high-profile romance. Diana tries to keep their relationship a secret from the press, but eventually the tabloids find out, and the media scrutiny intensifies. The film portrays Diana as deeply conflicted between her love for Khan and her public duties as a member of the royal family. She tries to balance her own desires with her obligations to her children, her country, and her image.

The film also touches on some of the humanitarian causes that Diana championed, such as raising awareness about landmines and visiting AIDS patients. These scenes allow Watts to showcase her impressive acting skills, as she captures Diana's warmth, empathy, and charisma. However, the film does not delve too deeply into these issues, and they feel a bit like subplots that are hastily resolved.

The heart of the film is the relationship between Diana and Khan. Andrews gives a nuanced performance as the reserved and introspective doctor who is wary of the spotlight. He is a contrast to Diana's flamboyant and impulsive personality, and their scenes together are touching and funny. The film portrays their love as intense and passionate, but also fraught with tension and insecurity. They come from different worlds, and their cultural differences sometimes create barriers between them. Nevertheless, their connection feels genuine and heartfelt.

The movie is not a typical biopic, as it does not follow a linear or chronological narrative. Instead, it jumps back and forth in time, showing glimpses of Diana's life and emotions through fragmented scenes and dreamlike imagery. This approach can be confusing at times, and some viewers may find it hard to follow. However, it also allows the film to capture the fleeting and ephemeral nature of Diana's existence, as well as her emotional turmoil.

The film's main weakness is its script, which sometimes relies on clunky dialogue and predictable scenes. Some of the supporting characters, such as Dodi Fayed and Paul Burrell, feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Moreover, the film could have explored Diana's inner world more deeply, rather than relying on external events and actions to convey her emotions. Nevertheless, the movie succeeds in portraying Diana's charisma and vulnerability, and in showing a side of her that was rarely seen by the public.

Overall, Diana is a flawed but heartfelt tribute to one of the most fascinating and tragic figures of modern history. Watts and Andrews deliver strong performances that elevate the material, and the film captures some of the magic and humanity of Diana's life. Whether you are a fan of the princess or simply curious about her story, this movie is worth watching for its insight into her last years.