Nicole Kidman as Grace. Photo / AP
There have been many rumours about the delayed release of French director Olivier Dahan's Princess Grace biopic, mostly concerning creative differences between the director and American distributors The Weinstein Company.
The dismal reaction to Naomi Watts' film Diana has rattled the nerves, too. Visually, they're quite different films, but they
both adopt the manner of a polished television miniseries and have star actresses who may look right, but aren't able to tell us anything new about their subjects.
Grace of Monaco finally had its world premiere at the opening of this year's Cannes Film Festival, and reaction stretched from unimpressed to scathing. But it's not the disaster some claimed it to be - on the upside, it's a very pretty, pleasant film showcasing Grace Kelly's impeccable dress sense, poise and presence, and makes the most of the picturesque setting.
But that isn't quite enough to disguise Dahan's inability to get under the surface of his characters and give us an insight into what makes them tick - something he did better in his Edith Piaf biopic, La Vie en Rose.
Bathed in the soft glow of the French Riviera and filled with soft focus close-ups, Grace of Monaco tells the story of a year in the life of Princess Kelly - 1962. With two children to look after, and not yet accepted by the people of Monaco, Grace contemplates an offer from Alfred Hitchcock to star in his film Marnie.
