Even more than two decades after her passing, Princess Diana continues to captivate hearts worldwide. Her enduring legacy is evident in various cinematic portrayals, from fictional dramas and biopics to musicals that seek to explore her life. Among the latest offerings is Spencer, featuring Kristen Stewart in the lead role. Despite initial doubters regarding her casting, Stewart’s performance has garnered critical acclaim, including nominations for both an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Pursuing the themes of hardship and resilience, Princess Diana’s narrative echoes the experiences of many other historic women who have navigated troubled marriages and mental health issues, with many of their stories also finding their way to the silver screen. The compelling nature of these biographical films highlights the struggles faced by women, and many cast members have taken home Oscars for their performances. While Spencer‘s comparisons to other prominent portrayals are inevitable, there is a wealth of films that tackle similar themes worth exploring.
Jackie (2016)
A Portrait of a Grieving First Lady
Director Pablo Larraín delves into the trials faced by notable women in his 2016 film, Jackie, which chronicles the life of Jackie Kennedy during a turbulent time. The narrative unfolds around the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and its profound impact on Jackie. The film reveals her struggles with infidelity and public scrutiny, paralleling Princess Diana’s own journey.As she mourns her husband, Jackie grapples with the challenges of motherhood, offering a gripping portrayal of a woman seeking to reclaim her identity in the face of tragedy.
Natalie Portman’s captivating performance in this role earned her a second Oscar nomination, cementing her place in a lineage of powerful portrayals.
The Assistant (2019)
A Woman Works for a Hollywood Power Player
Similar to the emotional weight of Spencer, The Assistant presents an intense portrayal of a woman’s struggles in an oppressive environment. Although it draws parallels to harrowing real-life stories connected to Harvey Weinstein, the film follows Jane (Julia Garner), an assistant navigating a toxic workplace dominated by her unseen predator boss. As she confronts a culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment, Jane’s narrative unfolds with a suffocating sense of isolation that echoes Diana’s own in Spencer.
Unlike Spencer, where Diana eventually seeks escape, Jane’s story lacks resolution, but both films deliver profound psychological insights into women’s experiences during hardship, showcasing transformative performances by their lead actresses.
Marie Antoinette (2006)
A Portrait of the Young Royal
Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette captures the lavish life of the titular queen, utilizing a vibrant color palette and an evocative soundtrack. Both this film and Spencer offer candid depictions of royal struggles, albeit with different emotional tones. One character is oblivious to her surroundings while the other is highly attuned to public perception, unintentionally harming those around them.
While Coppola’s movie leans into satire, both films showcase opulence and its associated scandals. Though the fashion of Marie Antoinette diverges from Diana’s style, both women are depicted amid grandeur while grappling with personal turmoil, providing critical commentary on wealth and societal expectations.
The Shining (1980)
A Family is Haunted in a Hotel
On the surface, a connection between Spencer and Stephen King’s The Shining may not seem evident, yet critics have drawn intriguing parallels regarding their thematic elements.Spencer’s shots often invoke haunting imagery reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s classic.
In The Shining, a family’s descent into madness unfolds in a haunted hotel, as isolation intensifies their fears. Although the settings differ significantly, both films invoke horror elements, portraying the claustrophobic experiences of their central characters – Diana and the Torrances – driving them to question their reality.
Black Swan (2010)
A Ballerina Succumbs to Pressure
Exploring similar themes of pressure and isolation, Black Swan captures the toll of expectation on its protagonist, Nina (Natalie Portman). Although her isolation is different from Diana’s, Nina battles paranoia in a hyper-competitive ballet environment, convinced that her peers threaten her position.
As she spirals into delusion, her turbulent journey resonates with the emotional stakes found in Spencer. Portman’s performances in both films highlight the sacrifices made by women under immense pressure, earning her accolades including an Oscar and a Golden Globe.
Being The Ricardos (2021)
An Inside Look at Lucille Ball’s Relationships
The allure behind Spencer’s portrayal may find resonance in other biopics like Being The Ricardos, where actors transform into beloved icons. Nicole Kidman, taking on the role of Lucille Ball, faced skepticism similar to Stewart’s prior to Spencer‘s release.
Both actresses masterfully embody their roles, presenting an insider’s view into their respective characters’ lives amidst apparent perfection marred by hidden struggles. Kidman’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, earning her nominations for prestigious accolades.
The Iron Lady (2011)
A Look at the Controversial British Prime Minister
The Iron Lady delves into the life of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, illuminating the dualities of her career and personal life. Meryl Streep’s powerful portrayal examines Thatcher’s legacy as the first female Prime Minister while navigating the personal toll of her political life, revealing a human side often overshadowed by her role.
The film offers audiences an understanding of the psychological burdens public figures bear, echoing the themes explored in Spencer.
Judy (2019)
The Later Years of Judy Garland’s Career
Exploring the incongruities of fame, Judy chronicles the later years of Judy Garland’s tumultuous life, focusing on her struggles post-stardom. Renée Zellweger’s transformative performance captures the essence of Garland, as her character attempts to reclaim her life amidst personal and professional challenges.
Similar to Spencer, Judy showcases a journey through hardship, marrying Garland’s musical legacy to the deep personal trials she endured, with Zellweger’s cinematic portrayal garnering her Oscar recognition.
Frida (2002)
A Portrait of the Artist’s Life
Frida Kahlo, renowned for her artistic contributions, is the focal point of the 2002 biopic Frida, which delves into her complex life experiences.The film illuminates not only her artistic legacy but also her passionate but tumultuous marriage.
Spencer. Salma Hayek’s portrayal showcases Kahlo’s artistic spirit, earning her accolades and further illustrating the intricate dynamics in the lives of pioneering women.
Respect (2021)
Jennifer Hudson Becomes Aretha Franklin
Respect narrates the powerful story of Aretha Franklin, chronicling her rise from a turbulent childhood to becoming a musical icon. The film captures her struggles in her marriage, echoing the themes of personal struggles seen in Spencer. Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Franklin showcases resilience and transformation, paralleling Stewart’s compelling performance.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
The Story of Spencer’s Ghost
The saga of royal infidelity finds an intriguing expression in The Other Boleyn Girl, spotlighting Anne Boleyn’s turbulent marriage to King Henry VIII. The film presents a compelling account of Boleyn, mirroring some of the anguish faced by Princess Diana during her own difficult marriage.
In Spencer, Diana’s reflective reading of Boleyn’s story resonates increasingly due to her own experiences. While The Other Boleyn Girl may differ in tone from Spencer, those intrigued by the historical parallels may appreciate this dramatic interpretation.
Wild (2014)
Reese Witherspoon Takes an Epic Journey
Rooted in personal adversity, Wild follows Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) as she embarks on a transformative journey. Reflecting similar emotional currents in Spencer, both women grapple with their past traumas.
The film emphasizes self-discovery through an arduous physical journey, contrasting Diana’s psychological confinement with a narrative that offers the protagonist the freedom to heal, showcasing their respective paths of growth in strikingly different ways.
Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy (2017)
A Documentary from the Sons of a Princess
Unlike dramatized films, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy provides an authentic tribute to Princess Diana, chronicled by her sons William and Harry. This documentary offers an unvarnished look into her life beyond the fairy tale, delving into her philanthropic endeavors and her role as a devoted mother.
While Spencer presents a fictionalized version of her life as a princess, this documentary enriches our understanding of the real Diana, making it an essential watch for enthusiasts seeking the truth behind her captivating legacy.
The Queen (2006)
A Postscript for Spencer
The Queen presents a poignant exploration of the British royal family’s response to Diana’s tragic death, illustrating the internal and external conflicts at play. Centering on the royal family’s and Prime Minister Tony Blair’s reactions, the film serves as a narrative extension to the events depicted in Spencer.
Shining a light on the lingering impact of Diana’s legacy, The Queen demonstrates how the royal family grapples with its public image during turbulent times, providing a compelling wrap-up to Diana’s impactful story.
Helen Mirren’s portrayal as Queen Elizabeth earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, highlighting the caliber of performances present in films exploring the emotional tapestry surrounding Princess Diana.
The Duchess (2008)
In The Duchess, Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, navigates a life marred by infidelity and heartbreak, drawing intriguing parallels to Princess Diana’s own challenges within the royal framework.
Like Diana, Georgiana experiences isolation despite societal glamour. Both characters are buoyed by standout performances—Kiera Knightley’s portrayal resonates deeply, mirroring the transformative journeys witnessed in Stewart’s depiction of Diana.
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