Dvd
The Duchess
The Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley), was a direct ancestor to Princess Diana. And, like the People's Princess, was glamorous and adored by the common hoard. She changed the face of British politics, as leader of the Whig party. Georgina could also beat any man in a game of cards, drink him under the table and outwit the poor lad in a second.
But, despite all this power and popularity, her old husband, The Duke (Ralph Feinnes) couldn't be seduced by this sharp-witted minx. In turning elsewhere for affection, namely a handsome young politician, she risked everything.
Starring Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Charlotte Rampling, Hayley Atwell, Aidan McArdle
Directed by Saul Dibb ('Bullet Boy')
Written by Saul Dibb, Anders Thomas Jensen, Jeffrey Hatcher
Festivals & Awards Best Costume Design - Academy Awards 2009.
Historical, Drama, True Story | 1hr 50mins | Rated (M) | Sex Scenes | Origin: USA | Official Site »
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Flicks review
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4
New queen of period dramas Keira Knightley is in her element here, donning skyscraper hairpieces and unfathomably complex robes to play a rock 'n' roll noblewoman in a time when her sort were expected to shut up and produce babies. Ralph Fiennes is equally well cast as her pathetic older husband - loveless, merciless and desperate for a male heir - and for the most part things play out pretty much as you'd expect, with über-glamorous party scenes, British Tourist Board-friendly stately home shots and costumes that will make needlework aficionados swoon.
But the film is underpinned by frustration and sadness, so amidst the high society set pieces there are moments of impressive grit and realism. Georgiana is played as a loving mother, torn irreconcilably between the children she has and the life she desires, and in the moments where these feelings are tested to the limit, Knightley's performance is powerful, verging on harrowing at times. Meanwhile, Fiennes puts in a superbly taught display. He hardly says anything for much of the film, the Duke's pitiful lack of compassion is portrayed through darkly comic grunts and glares rather than elaborate speech.
It's a relief that the film doesn't overplay the Princess Diana parallels – it wouldn't have taken much for this to have become as crass as some of its early marketing ("There were three in her marriage…" etc). As it is, the echo of Diana's tragic tale just shows that while the dresses may be a little more practical these days, behind the scenes the British aristocracy is still a shadowy place for independent females, while The Duchess stands alone as a quality costume drama with dirt under its immaculately painted fingernails.SHARE:
The people's reviews
2 reviews
Press Reviews
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Empire Magazine [UK]
4
A classy, well-crafted biopic of a period society girl.
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NZ Herald [Francesca Rudkin]
3
It's well cast and acted, visually beautiful but ultimately a bland costume drama.
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Rolling Stone
Make no mistake, the film belongs to Knightley. There's a fire in her eyes that won't be extinguished, and it keeps us in her corner despite, or more likely because of, the mischief she sparks.
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Sunday Star Times [Barney McDonald]
4
Aided by Amanda Foreman's respected biography of the duchess, the director and Knightley fashion a portrayal of her as a tragic figure possessed of immense passion and fortitude.
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The Press [James Croot]
The Duchess is likely to figure on the periphery of the awards season, but don't expect it to feature at this year's Royal Film Performance.
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TV3 [Kate Rodger]
3
If you're in the mood for a period piece, some flouncy dresses and some inbreeding, then The Duchess could be right up your alley.
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Urban Cinefile [Andrew Urban]
Dramatic and emotionally satisfying - if not for the poor old characters - the film looks fabulous, thanks to top production design and cinematography. Rachel Portman's score also works a treat, and the film's core themes are cleverly handled by director Saul Dibb.
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