In the recent season of The Crown, the narrative led to one of the most shocking episodes in contemporary history. Princess Diana of Wales, a figure who aroused admiration in the world for her beauty and intervention in social causes, died in 1997, during a car accident in Paris. How did this event and its implications translate to the Netflix series? Through the podcast Still Watching, Christian Schwochow, director of chapter four "Aftermath", gave details about his approach to the realization of the emotional episode, which narrates (in fictional key) how the royal family deals with the shocking news.
With previous experience in significant episodes - such as the one featuring Princess Diana and Prince Charles' divorce in the fifth installment - Schwochow established a poignant connection with actress Elizabeth Debicki. The performer has been praised by viewers for her impeccable work; and her immersion in her character's final moments is one of The Crown's strengths.
The German director confirmed that Peter Morgan had decided not to show on screen neither the car crash nor Diana's inert body. However, Debicki was present for the shooting of the scene in which Prince Charles (Dominic West) recognizes the corpse of his ex-wife. The camera doesn't catch it, but she was on set to build the emotional atmosphere required for that moment.
Another detail that stands out in the production is the use of musical pieces and the absence of dialogue at key moments of family mourning, especially when the news of Diana's death reaches the royal residence. The aim was to create distance out of respect for the family "and not to exploit the drama they all went through," he added.
