DIANA AND ME

"While recent events have obviously greatly changed the tone of Diana & Me, there is no doubt that the film stands on its own as a highly original story, which effectively and honestly explores the many paradoxes and contradictions of fame and it’s consequences. David Parker has developed the many complexities, in a sensitively directed film that excels in capturing the essence of the key relationships. Matt Ford’s script expertly brings the characters to life, and endears us to them by their very human frailties. Toni Collette is wonderful as Diana, the star-obsessed country girl, whose very gaucheness seduces us, just as she seduced us in Muriel’s Wedding. Her down-to-earth, no-nonsense appeal tantalises, and throughout we are captured by a sense of good-old Australian ‘lack of bull-shit’. An authentic Australian character, with recognisable traits. As Rob, Dominic West is complementary and outstanding; his brash, outgoing performance is combined with undertones of great sensitivity. He is at once likeable (for who he is), despicable (for what he does), and endearing (for the struggle within). Special mention to Malcolm Kennard as the Aussie boyfriend, who almost steals the film, with great comic timing and delivery that is a delight. Victoria Eagger’s role as the London magazine correspondent, is both over-written and over-acted: the caricature approach falls flat. The cameos are amusing diversions, and star-spotters will enjoy a few celebrity glimpses. It’s a cleverly crafted film that does not rely on subjective involvement with the real Princess Diana’s media love affair, nor as Andrew says, does it trespass on her integrity. Diana and Me cleverly broaches topical issues emotively, emotionally and honestly, before coherently marrying them with a memorable love story punctuated by issues of the heart."
Louise Keller

"There's one cardinal rule one should follow when making a comedy: come up with more than the odd chuckle or two. But then maybe Diana and Me is not a comedy, and therein lies its problem: it has no clear idea of what it's trying to do. There's a silly romance thrown in just to put us off kilter, an attempted satire on fame, royalty, obsession, and tabloid journalism, with little substance or attempt to deal fully with one of these themes. There's the tired old British/Australian thing which is the film's weakest aspect, not to mention that at this stage of the Australian film industry, Aussie cliches would surely be a thing of the cinematic past. An early shot of the Opera House (please), and once again, the Aussie male is here in all his Ocker glory: beer drinking, uncultured, sports obsessed, and over-played by an insufferable Malcolm Kennard. There are some nice touches which show director David Parker's visual flair, such as the Elton John ball sequence which is a major highlight of the film. But it's too little too late. The film has an uninspiring script and a half-baked idea, and despite the glowing work of star Collette, Diana and Me emerges as a regressive piece of Australian cinema."
Paul Fischer