Diana The Movie: Director Defends Film Ahead Of London Premiere

Diana movie director Oliver Hirschbiegel explains the film is a 'dramatic interpretation' based on accounts from several sources

Naomi Watts - Naomi Watts as Princess Diana - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK
Naomi Watts - Naomi Watts as Princess Diana - Marie Claire - Marie Claire UK
(Image credit: Rex)

Diana movie director Oliver Hirschbiegel explains the film is a 'dramatic interpretation' based on accounts from several sources

Diana movie director Oliver Hirschbiegel explains the film is a 'dramatic interpretation' based on accounts from several sources.

The film, which focuses on Princess Diana's reported romance with heart surgeon Hasnat Khan, premieres in London tonight and producers are preparing for a backlash from audiences and critics about the authenticity of the claims the movie makes, with Khan recently telling a newspaper that it is all 'based on hypotheses and gossip.'

Naomi Watts - Diana Trailer - Princess Diana

Naomi Watts - Diana Trailer - Princess Diana

Diana director Oliver Hirschbiegel has hit back at early criticisms, telling Sky News:

'The film is actually based on the accounts of several people, and the inquest in which there were hundreds of pages discussing their relationship.

'It is not a documentary but a dramatic interpretation. In a love story you have to create four or five dramatic scenes that make it work.'

The editor of Majesty magazine, Ingrid Seward, has described the film as 'hurtful' to Princes William and Harry, telling Sky News that she feels Princess Diana's memory has been 'hijacked' yet again.

Naomi Watts - Diana Trailer - Princess Diana

Naomi Watts - Diana Trailer - Princess Diana

Naomi Watts, who stars as the late Princess in the film, has spoken about the hours she has spent perfecting Diana's voice and mannerisms - but critics like Seward insist she's 'just so not Diana.'

Naomi reportedly 'walked out' of an interview with BBC Radio 2's Simon Mayo after he questioned her about Diana the movie.

Will you be watching Diana the movie? Check out the trailer and let us know what you think in a comment below.

Naomi Watts 'walks out' of interview after being asked about Diana movie

Naomi Watts as Princess Diana - in pics

Latest celebrity news

Got a tablet? You can now download Marie Claire magazine straight to your iPad, Kindle (just search the store for 'marie claire magazine'), Nook or Google Nexus.

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.