This biopic of Princess Margaret was a revelation to me - the Queen's sister was really such a train-wreck?. The disclaimer at the start, Some of this movie is based on fact ... and some isn't, urged caution, indicating a quick squiz of her Wikipedia entry. It then appeared that much of what was depicted in the film was based on fact. Her willingness to jump into bed with any man who took her fancy (or if she simply felt like it) did surprise.
I found Margaret's spontaneity and gusto for life early in the film very appealing. Here was someone who was no cardboard cutout, despite her royal heritage. So I was rather dismayed to see how ingrained was her sense of the royal "we" - "they" (meaning the common people) must behave toward "us" in no uncertain deferential manner.
No need to work (addiction to the royal purse), lack of a purpose outside of self-indulgence, alcohol&smoking took their toll on this potentially magnificent person (her later life was marred by illness and disability and she died before her time at 72). Over the film's two decades she ages very visibly.
I left the film with an overwhelming sense of sadness that a life so full of promise should end in such emptiness and tragedy.
I found Margaret's spontaneity and gusto for life early in the film very appealing. Here was someone who was no cardboard cutout, despite her royal heritage. So I was rather dismayed to see how ingrained was her sense of the royal "we" - "they" (meaning the common people) must behave toward "us" in no uncertain deferential manner.
No need to work (addiction to the royal purse), lack of a purpose outside of self-indulgence, alcohol&smoking took their toll on this potentially magnificent person (her later life was marred by illness and disability and she died before her time at 72). Over the film's two decades she ages very visibly.
I left the film with an overwhelming sense of sadness that a life so full of promise should end in such emptiness and tragedy.