Princess Diana's Brother Calls Kristen Stewart's 'Spencer' Terrible

Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, has publicly stated that the 2021 biographical drama film "Spencer," starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, was "terrible." Spencer made these remarks during an interview with Tina Brown at a McNally Jackson Books event. Despite his strong negative assessment of the film itself, Spencer acknowledged and praised Kristen Stewart's performance, noting that he was "intrigued by how good she was at capturing Diana." The film "Spencer," directed by Pablo Larraín, depicts a fictionalized account of a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana, Princess of Wales, spent the Christmas holiday with the royal family at their Sandringham estate. The narrative focuses on Diana's deteriorating mental state and her struggle with the pressures of royal life, culminating in her decision to leave her marriage to Prince Charles. The movie received critical acclaim for Stewart's performance, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. However, the film also faced criticism for its fictionalized elements and its portrayal of Diana's mental health struggles. Spencer's comments come at a time when his own memoir, "Swan Song: Diana, My Sister," has reportedly reignited tensions with the royal family and initiated a legal dispute with Piers Morgan. The memoir, released in October 2023, offers Spencer's personal reflections on his sister's life and death, as well as his experiences growing up within the aristocratic sphere. The book has been noted for its candid and often critical perspective on the monarchy and its treatment of Diana. Spencer's dual assessment of "Spencer"—criticizing the film's overall quality while commending Stewart's acting—highlights a nuanced reaction to the cinematic representation of his sister. His statement suggests a disconnect between the artistic merit of the film and the accuracy or sensitivity of its portrayal of Diana's life and the events surrounding her. The film's director, Pablo Larraín, is known for his biographical dramas, including "Jackie" (2016), which focused on Jacqueline Kennedy. "Spencer" was a significant project for Stewart, who underwent extensive preparation to embody the iconic princess. The film's narrative choices, particularly its focus on Diana's psychological turmoil, were a point of contention for some viewers and critics, even as Stewart's performance was widely lauded. Spencer's intervention adds another layer to the ongoing public discourse surrounding Princess Diana's legacy and the various media interpretations of her life and the royal family.