The Crown's Director Ensures Princess Diana's Final Moments Were Handled with Utmost Respect

Director Christian Schwochow, in an interview with Deadline, shares his approach to directing three highly emotional episodes of the late Princess Diana in the upcoming Season 6 of The Crown. The episodes directed by Schwochow are titled "Two Photographs," "Dis-Moi-Oui" (featuring the fatal car crash), and "Aftermath."

Regarding the depiction of the crash, Schwochow confirms that it will not be shown on screen. However, he mentions that they did film Diana, but in a respectful manner, without capturing a close-up of her. This decision was made out of sensitivity and respect for Diana and her family. According to Schwochow, the choice not to show her body was never up for discussion as their intention was clear and unwavering.

After Queen Elizabeth's passing in September of the previous year, Schwochow conveyed the delicate approach The Crown intended to take, acknowledging the conscious memory of individuals involved. Hence, it was crucial for The Crown to exercise sensitivity in portraying such moments. For instance, Schwochow disclosed that during the scene where the Queen (Imelda Staunton), Philip (Jonathan Pryce), and Charles (Dominic West) are informed about the crash, the conversation occurs in silence, respecting the characters' grief by not audibly conveying their words to the audience. "We don't have to see and hear..." mentioned Schwochow. "We strive to grant each character their personal space for mourning and sorrow, without excessively exploiting these emotions."

When Will Season 6 of ‘The Crown’ Air?

Image via Netflix

The final season of The Crown will be divided into two parts. The first part, directed primarily by Schwochow, focuses on Diana's final days and consists of four episodes. Part One is scheduled for release on November 16, while Part Two is set to debut on December 14. Part Two will delve into the emotional aftermath following Diana's passing.

Lesley Manville, Olivia Williams, Marcia Warren, and Bertie Carvel join Season 6 of The Crown, portraying Princess Margaret, Camilla Parker Bowles, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, and Prime Minister Tony Blair, respectively. You can now stream the first five seasons on Netflix. Don't miss The Crown on Netflix!

The Crown

Release Date November 4, 2016Genres Biography, DramaRating TV-MASeasons 6Studio Netflix

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the upcoming season of The Crown. On the one hand, I am excited to see how the show will handle the sensitive topic of Princess Diana's death. On the other hand, I am concerned that the show may exploit her death for ratings.

I appreciate that the show's director, Christian Schwochow, has taken a respectful approach to depicting Diana's final moments. He has said that the crash will not be shown on screen, and that the show will focus on the emotional aftermath of her death. I think this is the right decision, as it would be in poor taste to show Diana's death in graphic detail.

However, I am concerned that the show may still exploit Diana's death for ratings. The show has been a huge success for Netflix, and I worry that the producers may be tempted to use Diana's death to boost viewership. I hope that the show will handle this sensitive topic with the respect it deserves.

Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season of The Crown. I am excited to see how the show will handle Diana's death, but I hope that the producers will do so in a respectful manner.