by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
What are the most effective ways to tell a story? The artistic medium is one of the most diverse forms of storytelling since there are so many ways to tell a story within a singular art form. You can tell a story from a variety of perspectives, including from the first person or a third person perspective. You can incorporate a framed narrative to show that it is from a specific perspective. You can leverage the visual aspects of film to deliver something that is purely cinematic. Documentaries are especially an interesting case. You can even tell a story through just the words of those involved without the need for the filmmaker’s narration or specific guidance through interviews.
How can a film excel with such an approach? Look no further than the latest effort from HBO Documentary Films and director Ed Perkins, The Princess. There has been so much said about the life and legacy of Princess Diana. One of the most cherished public figures in modern culture, Diana was a shining light for so many people. She was caring and charming, bringing a whole new look to the Royal Family of Great Britain. Seen as above all else, Diana brought this lofty existence down to earth to connect to the regular people.
But is a beloved figure enough to make a documentary work? That is not necessarily the case. Perkins takes a specific approach that exclusively includes archival footage. No narration and no new interviews. Perkins and his expert editing team weave together years of footage to deliver a compelling and engaging presentation of Diana’s life. There is a distinct and familiar plotting of events (taking the simple linear approach), but it is incredible that this film is able to build the rise and fall of Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles and the rollercoaster ride of her public image without any sort of specific manipulation.
Who is the Diana that The Princess portrays? From the start, you meet a young and sweet woman with a beautiful presence and an endearing effect on those around her and the public in general. She was beloved. Perkins channels real citizens’ perspectives and words into creating this beloved figure that we have on screen. But this film does not leave this at a puff piece. With both Charles and Diana committing adultery, Perkins presents a variety of perspectives on Diana’s part in the equation. There are some who said she deserved to find happiness and Charles pushed her to it. There are others who vilified Diana for being the catalyst for destroying her own marriage.
With an expertly crafted narrative, where is Perkins able to inject emotion into the film? This might be obvious, but Diana’s fate is what strikes the biggest blow to the audience. The presentation of coverage after her death delivers a flood of emotion from all walks of life. The Royal Family, the news commentators, and the public have tears and grief flowing from every pore. Expert storytelling is not enough to truly impact an audience, but when paired with the presentation of such raw emotion, it is hard to fail.
When the credits roll, what does this film leave its audience with? Of course, Diana’s story alone is why people would stream this over on HBO Max, but there is so much more. There are impactful themes focusing on the impact of 24/7 media coverage of peoples’ lives, the sexist and overly traditional framework of this institution, and the fickleness of public opinion. Long after you are done with this film on screen, its ideas are not done with you. This is some expert craftsmanship in presenting the extraordinary life of a generational figure.
Score: 9/10
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