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The centerpiece of Spencer is undoubtedly Kristen Stewart's electricity. Stewart disappears into her tortured character, displaying longing, frustration, and defiance manifested from the deep sorrow of her confinement. Spencer hinges completely on Diana's distress, and Stewart's potent layers easily fuel the entire experience. Meanwhile, the supporting cast provides plenty for Stewart to play off of. Sally Hawkins, Sean Harris, and Timothy Spall each have their moments, yet the scenes with Diana's children (Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry) are the heart and soul of the film.
Spencer is solidified by its technical aspects. The stark cinematography uses suggestive framing, methodical movement, and natural lighting to create an atmosphere of captivity and melancholy. The production design and music unite to set the audience in an excessively opulent lifestyle while also reflecting Diana's emotional state. Lastly, the wardrobe plays a central role in capturing the era, expressing Diana's mentality, and driving plot points. Spencer might seem repetitive and melodramatic to some, but its craftsmanship should absolve its faults. Overall, Spencer is a vivid experience that should stick in the minds of its viewers. It might not pop as a flawless masterpiece, but it certainly strikes an emotional chord.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 10/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
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The most captivated I've been in a theater this year.
This film achieved exactly what it set out to achieve on every level, from the script, acting, down to the score, editing, and the cinematography. It all worked together to deliver an enthralling glimpse into the "life" Diana, Princess of Whales was leading during one Christmas Holiday, where we see pivotal events unfold that unveil to us who these characters really are, and tease us as to what they are capable of.
The cinematographer Claire Mathon better get nominated for an Oscar. The first thing I took note of was the aspect ratio 1.66 : 1, which has a more full-screen look, which at first I thought was to convey the height of the architecture and the interior decor. What it did instead was trap me in the room with Diana, feeling suffocated and claustrophobic, surrounded by people who don't want you there. Close-up shots that had me feeling like I couldn't catch my breath while watching.
Jonny Greenwood's score was tragically brilliant, and enhanced the suffocating effect of the camera work with the clashes of multiple Jazz instruments that DID NOT blend together or work in harmony every time Diana was somewhere she didn't want to be. In contrast, the music found a sad harmony in the moments Diana finds comfort in herself and others.
Everything worked so well that the last thing I thought of was Kristen Stewart's performance, which was truly so nuanced and reserved she simply WAS. Her acting was but one part of many parts that amounted to this masterpiece of cinema.
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Rating: 7 out of 10
As stated at the beginning of the movie, this story is "a fable from a true tragedy". So, while Spencer isn't a true story, it is a new take on what led to Princess Diana and Prince Charles' divorce.
I know I'm late to the party, but... WOW! What a phenomenal performance from Kristen Stewart. Her accent is on point and she is absolutely the star of the show... which she had to be, because the camera is focused on her in almost every frame of the film. All of her character's built up emotion can be felt through Stewart's performance in such a realistic and visceral way.
While Stewart deserves all the credit in the world, I also want to highlight the directing and score of this flick. Director Pablo Larrain and director of cinematography Claire Mathon delivered beautiful imagery and masterful camerawork. The score was also perfect at matching the scene, creating intensity and drama. This combination of Stewart's phenomenal acting, the camerawork, and the exceptional score created such a surreal feeling of Diana's anxiety and stress.
Spencer is really a movie about freedom and liberation. Diana feels trapped in an endless cycle of going through the motions and living basically like a robot. The progression of her character throughout the film was well explored and fascinating to see.
While I tolerated how Spencer was paced, I can definitely understand why a lot of people wouldn't. It is certainly a slow burn and takes its time telling the story. There are moments that do drag on and the middle act seemed like it was just going from one conversation to another, but all in all I enjoyed this flick. I know there's been a lot of people declaring this a masterpiece, along with others who hated it, but I am morseo in the middle.
If you haven't seen Spencer, I'd recommend renting it or just buying the blu-ray, as it is only $14.99. It isn't for everyone, but Spencer features an intriguing story with an outstanding performance from Kristen Stewart, which is enough to earn a recommendation from me!
Have you seen Spencer? What did you think of it?
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