Ever since I realized what a hot mess this new Diana movie was going to be, I’ve sort of gone out of my way to avoid discussing it. Seriously, have you seen the trailer? It looks AWFUL. It looks like it came from the same team that did Lifetime’s Will & Kate farcical TV movie. But I have avoided it long enough. It’s time to discuss it. Sort of. These are some photos from the premiere and after-party in London last night. Naomi Watts, who plays Diana, wore white Versace to the premiere. The dress is sexy and beautiful and I really don’t have any issue other than the bust looking slightly “off”. Naomi’s earrings are Chopard – gorgeous. Black heels by Louboutin.
Unfortunately, these premiere pics are the proverbial lipstick on a pig. The UK critics are trashing this film completely. One critic said the film is “atrocious and intrusive”. The script is “squirmingly embarrassing.” The Mirror says: “The Queen of Hearts has been recast as a sad-sack singleton that even Bridget Jones would cross the street to avoid” and that Watts “looks, acts and sounds nothing like the Princess of Wales… Wesley Snipes in a blonde wig would be more convincing.” The Guardian: “I hesitate to use the term ‘car crash drama’. But the awful truth is that, 16 years after that terrible day in 1997, she has died another awful death.” YIKES. But this was expected. Watch the trailer:
Yeah. It got so bad that when Naomi was promoting the film in London a few days ago, she walked out of a radio interview in the middle of taking questions. I have to say though – while I still wonder what the hell Naomi was thinking, taking this role, I don’t think she should receive the brunt of the criticism? I don’t know, I think it’s unfair that everyone is blaming her.
I’m also including a photo of Naveen Andrews, who plays Hasnat Khan in the film. I love Naveen, but I don’t understand his hair at all. THAT is not what his real hair looks like. It looks like he got a perm!?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Much stodgy outrage on the TV news this morning. Poor Naomi.
Naveen is HOT, btw.
I agree — Naveen IS HOT!! He was #3 on my LOST Hump List, following Sawyer and Desmond.
Omg, we have the same LOST list!
My #1 was Locke, followed by Sawyer. None of the others, although I suppose Naveen is handsome. I’m excited to see him in Once Upon a Time in Wonderland.
Nav’s hair is naturally curly. He wore it naturally curly in LOST.
This movie as well as the Grace Kelly atrocity will join Liz and Dick in Hollywood zlist infamy.
NOBODY can portray a woman like di she was too…..’di’
You have to wait 50yrs atleast for tragi-movies like this
Charles chaplin never played the captain of the titanic
My thoughts EXACTLY! I was thinking, “just wait until the Grace Kelly film comes out– THAT will be a hotter mess.”
I just had a surge of rage being reminded of that casting ridiculousness.
Seriously, with January Jones out and about, you’re going to cast shrivelly old Nicole Kidman who looks nothing like Grace Kelly?!?!
This blog post does a great job of highlighting the side-by-side offensiveness of this:
http://www.northerncalstyle.com/2013/01/nicole-kidman-as-grace-kelly.html
Kidman looks like Grace Kelly’s grandma, maybe.
I read Watts was asked several times to be in this film before she finally caved (which made me feel a bit better to hear) and I actually heard that she’s the best part of the film, which sadly isn’t saying much.
Anyway, she is far FAR too good for this garbage IMO.
Whats the trouble with the film? Plotting, characterisation?Or is it just the cinematography?
I won’t judge until I see it, though I’m not interested in it at all, but I think people have this vision of Diana that’s still fresh and if the film doesn’t meet their expectations they’ll hate it. Yes, trailer looks horrible but it’s someones take on what happened and who she was and it should be viewed as such. Did any of the critics actually know her? Anyway, it’s a film and if the script is bad no actor or director can’t save it.
She may have said “no” several times, but she did – incomprehensibly – end up saying “yes”, so now she must face the consequences.
Jessica Chastain, a wonderful actress – who actually does look much like Diana and projects her vibe, especially when she smiles – ran from it, I am told, even though she still needs exposure more than Naomi does. She would not be swayed.
Smart girl.
What surprises me is the director’s inane take on the whole story – and, of course, the astonishingly cheapo look of it, starting with Naomi’s hair. (It still boggles the mind that they were unable to get even THAT right.)
A biopicture about Diana actually would have been a good idea – theoretically. Because it would have to have been HONEST. But honesty, however well-intended, would offend in this case, and cause uproar that no director or actor has the guts to bear.
Yes, the HAIR. It’s all wrong! WTF!
I think she totally deserves a good amount of criticism. From the trailers I’ve seen, she gets Diana all wrong. But just to begin with, she shouldn’t have taken it. Period. Stupid move.
@Lauren – I know! How can you get such a distinctive head of hair wrong? If Naomi’s hair was too fine – and it is – then a wig should have been used.
But it’s her whole figure and demeanour… She has a meek smile in this movie that not only makes her look 62, but it doesn’t look anything like Diana.
I would have loved to see a blond Chastain in this. At least she would have looked like Diana.
The script would still be all wrong, of course, and the movie still would have stunk.
I think Watts is a fantastic actress. I think playing a real person who lived so recently is always a tricky thing, especially someone who was as scrutinized as Diana.
IMO, Watts has given so many amazing performances, I forgive her if she didn’t kick ass in this role. She’s done a lot of good work over the past 12 or so years.
She is fantastic in trying too hard at her job. Fantastic actors are natural and effortless. No doubt they work very hard but their making it so non-obvious is fascinating. I might be wrong about Naomi, but from what I have seen about her, her talent might flourish when she learns to be modest. As Jim Carrey put it, less is more.
That dress is definitely ‘off.’ The top looks like she pulled it up wrong and just left it wonkified. lol
Hahahaha. Wonkified is my new word.
Let’s hope that is face setting podwer…all over her nose in last pic.
She accepted the role she gets the blame. The script alone was enough to send a sensible actress running. I did not ever really have any thoughts about her as an actress but after this I do.
Lady Di is an iconic personality, she was loved by many and passed away not that long ago… They should have wait one more decade to make the movie.
Jessica Chastain was first cast for the part, I am so glad she pulled out of this project. I’m a huge fan of hers, her performances are always perfectly pitched. I wonder what criticism it would have gotten if she played the part and not Naomi.
I really was surprised that Naomi took this role. Times like this I just attribute it to the fact that actors are like us, they have bills to pay and need the money.
In some way I kind of think Naomi thought it might be her Helen M the queen Oscar role. But this is far from the outcome
@Aussie I never thought about that way,but you do have a point. The last 10 years the Oscar has been won by someone playing a real person Milk, Monster, Lincoln, Capote,The Queen, The Iron Lady all about real people all won Oscars.
I feel sorry for Naomi. She is such a quality actress. The thing is, that it can be a hit like Michelle Williams as Marilyn (Oscar nom) or a big flop like this one now. There is this fine line with this bio pics and if you don’t have an amazing team and director it goes down the toilet and people get offended, because you didn’t do their idol justice.
I find Naomi Watts to be one of the least compelling actresses out there. She’s just so soft and bland. I’ve never seen her bring anything intersting to a role.
Me too. That she was even nominated for an Oscar, much less WON the thing for her tsunami role is mind-boggling. She was unconscious for 98% of the movie!
YuYa – Jennifer Lawrence won the Oscar, not Naomi.
@YuYa
She didn’t win an Oscar for her role in The Impossible. Jennifer Lawrence won that year. She’s been nominated three times with no win.
Frankie – It was two times: 2003 – 21 Grams and 2012 – The Impossible
@Frankie–thanks, it must have flown over my head. Anyways…that she was even nominated for that role astounds me.
+1000000000000000000
enough said. that and the nerve of this woman and producer and director. i want to punch all of them. how dare they!
In the still for the video link, where she’s wearing the blue jacket, she looks like US ELLE’s advice columnist, E. Jean.
That’s all I’ve got.
I feel bad for Naomi! I love her and think she is an awesome actress. She was just wrong for this part. I think she did the best with what she had to work with, ya know? Poor Naomi. 🙁
Ouch! I wonder how much they paid her. With very few exceptions they all take bad paycheck roles but it sounds like she will regret this one. Such a shame cause she’s so great. And Naveen, what did you do to your beautiful hair!?
OMFG! I could only watch it if i thought it was a film based on a Rosamund Pilcher novel and not the true story behind Diana’s facade. My god it’s PFffffhuccccking horrible.
This film was a bad idea. The truth is 15 years after Diana’s death, were still no closer to knowing the truth of what caused it, nor any closer to knowing the truth of what was in her heart. Thus, this was a Hollywood fabrication of a true story which is undoubtably filled with more interesting and complicated (but unknown) details.
+1
Timing is everything, but sometimes, if the skill and execution is done right, it can produce a wonderful film no matter how much or how little time has past eg THE QUEEN.
I was initially horrified when I heard about it, but the end result was amazing, and succeeded in making HM sympathetic when we all remember what a PR disaster and the ugly mood of that week.
It doesnt look any worse than any other trailer I have seen for any other movie. I do see that they focused on her love life which is a perfect way to encourage a negative reaction. Who can say how Diana’s love life was other than her? Its a bit cheese and a bad angle to attempt since everyone loved her and didnt see her quite that way. Hopeless girl in love – yeesh, its a bit of a disservice.
I agree that it doesn’t seem that atrocious. In fact I’d say it looks like a step up from Lifetime fare. I wonder what angle would please the critics? Seems like it just never had a chance.
I can’t imagine why anyone would think a biopic of Diana would be a good idea. There is probably no actress in the world who could play her. This mess has looked atrocious from the beginning, when we first started seeing photos from the shoot. Naomi Watts bears not the slightest resemblance to Diana, and it doesn’t look like the hair and makeup people even tried.
I think Alison Janney might have done a good job playing Diana. She’s tall, she has large eyes like Diana, plus of course she’s a great actress.
Too old.
kinda makes me sad, because I love Naomi and I was looking forward to this for a while..now its..you know.
I look forward to Gina Gershon playing Donatella and I KNOW she’ll bring it, by the pics alone.
Usually Naomi has exquisite taste. So sad she said “yes” to this mess.
That hair is a crime against Naveen.
“Wesley Snipes in a blonde wig would be more convincing.”
Ouch. That is funny.
I honestly don’t think the trailer looks horrible. And I am a bit of a movie snob, lol. Looks better than all this superhero crap coming out of Hollywood lately. And in no way does it look as bad as the TV movie Liz n Dick or whatever it was with Lilo.
Also, I do like Naomi and I think she is a wonderful actress. I don’t know how the movie will turn out to be, the jury is still out on that one. And I think it is highly likely that the British press would have brutalized the film and whomever portrayed Diana, just because that is how they are.
+1
She deserves all the criticism. Naomi claimed Princess Diana gave her permission to play her in a dream. Seriously Naomi, what a disrespectful and self serving thing to say.
Wow, I thought only Lohan would stoop to such roles. The trailer makes it look like another bad Lifetime movie. Definitely will NOT be seeing this trash. So much for Naomi’s career, she will never live this one down…….
I think that is Naveen’s real hair. Have you seen him in Sinbad?
Look at her nose! Seriously. Who hasn’t had a dab of concealer out of place here or there? But that is…not concealer, or setting powder, or mineral blah blah blah. Chica was hoovering some nose candy. Look at the glassy eyes. Absolutely. Ridic.
That’s High Definition powder. Even full-on druggies don’t get coke all over their face when they snort.
Celebrities with HD powder mishaps: http://beautyeditor.ca/2011/04/07/first-nicole-kidman-then-eva-longoria-now-ashley-judd-twice-why-are-so-many-celebs-wearing-visible-white-powder/
Compare with Amy Winehouse (http://i.perezhilton.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/winnooo__oPt.jpg) or Paris Hilton (http://today.ccopinion.com/images/uploads/2006/12/paris-hilton-white-powder.jpg) with suspicious white powder up their noses.
This clearly falls into the first category.
I agree. Coke fiends wouldn’t let that much go to waste, and it looks like translucent powder that went on a bit heavy and then was highlighted by flash photography.
Luckily, no one will see this movie.
I’m pretty sure Naveen’s hair has always been curly.
I think the blame has been now shifted to her because she has said how she felt Diana was speaking/connecting to her because she was doing the film.
Sorry but those earrings look like a giant amoeba is crawling on her.
I wasn’t going to see either way so good or bad doesn’t matter to me.
Sorry but I think it looks okay. I really like Naomi but I don’t think this is her right part but I think she did a good job.
My guess is she gets the brunt of the criticism because she’s the most recognizable face associated with the project. IMDb says this was directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, who seems to have worked with a few big stars before, but isn’t exactly a big name. I’m not saying she deserves it. I’m just saying that’s probably why she gets the blame.
When I read that comment about Wesley Snipes, I immediately thought, “But WHICH Wesley Snipes? The actor or the character from ’30 Rock’?” I suppose either one works in the critic’s comparison.
That’s usually how it goes. If there had been an unknown actress playing as Diana, it would’ve gotten the Lindsey Lohan a la Liz and Dick treatment—the only reason that movie got press was because of Lindsey. And that was because Lindsey was stupid enough to drive when the producers sent her a car AND got into a wreck and tried to blame the poor truck driver. Idiot.
The trailer doesn’t look bad, actually, but I still think she’s no Diana. Naomi’s a good actress, but I don’t think she pulls off Diana. No one can. I’m still astonished she agreed to do this movie. I agree she must have been sucked in by the success of other royalty/biopic movies. But this…no. But you know what, I think the movie will do relatively well regardless. It’ll be one of those cheesy movies that will end up playing late at night on tv on a regular basis. Bad career move though.
This movie was talked down from day one.
One look at the production stills: “She looks nothing like her, her hair looks different, her nose looks different, her jewels look different, the dress looks different, all looks cheap” etc.
No one was watching the trailer without prejudice and now no one will watch or estimate the movie without a preconceived opinion.
I´m sorry for Naveen and Naomi. They had no chance.
People want the myth, not the real person or some movie-Diana. Looking at the human “Diana” in love with some Doc is against all rules. Her fans want the immortal (tabloid) St.Diana
Poor Naomi; the people who made this mess should get the blame.
I like Naomi, but this looked like crap from the beginning, so I can’t say I’m surprised. I strongly suspect that Naomi and Nicole Kidman will be able to console each other very soon. The Princess Grace mess isn’t looking much better.
Can we talk about those awful SHOES?? I actually really love the Versace. Her body looks amazing. And then… prom shoes. Ugh.
Would have been better with the pumps in the last photo, or SANDALS.
yikes!
looks like the same ‘powder-monster’ that nailed Nic’s face b4 got Naomi in the grill. ha! 😆
Glad I’m not the only one who’s noticed….
Naveen’s hair is shorter than it has been in the past, so the curls are tighter.
Who’s blaming her? I’ve seen mostly praise for her, even in this stupid movie. The brunt of the criticism is toward the writer.
I think Naomi Watts is so pretty. She looks like she’s aging naturally, too
This is one of those interesting cases of post-decease willful collective amnesia.
For instance, right up until Michael Jackson died, in the media and the collective imagination, he was a deranged freak and likely child molester. Now he’s a legend again!
With Diana, right up until her death (I was living in England that year), she was being berated in the media for “whoring” herself out for yachting vacations in the Mediterranean and meddling in the UK government’s landmine policies (seriously, politicians were on TV ranting about it). Not to mention that everyone thought she looked like a mentally disturbed airhead in her interview with Martin Bashir a year or so earlier. Then she dies and she’s a brilliant angel of virtue and light.
See also: Richard Nixon, who was a crook right up until he croaked… and then the media drew up memory-erasing hagiographies.
It’s the great death whitewash. Truth is somewhere in the middle, no?
But yes, the movie looks like a Lifetime version of what that mortifying reality was at the time. Although we’re supposed to buy this as the great love story, frankly it just looks like this fella was thrilled to have glamorous ex-royalty doing his laundry, but not enough to overcome the embarrassment to his family of marrying her. Really, Diana’s great romance was with her sons, and with the media.
You are so right about the layers of whitewash and revisionism after a celebrity dies.
It does seem, however, that Di was truly in love with the cardiologist. It was doomed from the start for a multitude of reasons but I would not say that Hazmet took it lightly. True, he was not able to overcome the resistance of his family but he was more put off by the fact that his life would be torn to pieces by the media. The result would have been an inability to practice medicine and heart surgery was his passion, not troubled princesses.
Diana found an honest and uncomplicated love in this relationship but a partner cant just be a safe harbor in a storm. There has to be compatibility and a neeting in the middle. With Diana, poor thing, there was no middle. Bessides, ironing his shirts and cooking spaghetti dinners would have been fun for Di for about a month or so. She loved glamour and the spotlight. And dont get me started on her bpd(s)
But their feelings were genuine. And he would have sold his story a thousand times if he hadnt really loved her.
Great dress, beautiful woman
I’m surprised NOBODY has said anything about the SUSPICIOUS WHITE POWDER on the edge of her nostrils, a la Craken….
Photo w the black dress… Look at it closely…