|
 In Cinemas Thursday [PG]
Director: Saul Dibb
Runtime: 110mins
One can be forgiven for perhaps yawning at the notion of yet another period piece showcasing the refined talents of mannequin/actress Keira Knightley, but as a very fresh 18th Century period piece, The Duchess richly succeeds.
Born two centuries before her distant descendant Princess Diana, Georgiana – The Duchess of Devonshire (Knightley) – is the subject of this intimate costume drama, with her turbulent marriage to the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes) of particular focus. Upon entering high society through the marriage, The Duchess becomes a historical fashion icon, a political activist and a compulsive gambler; all of which are highlighted, but are not the emphasis for this story, which centers more on love and entrapment. While the Duchess is young, beautiful and idealistic, the Duke is harsh, unfeeling and generally loathsome, bringing into play the strengths in the film’s casting. Fiennes’ public misdemeanours, coupled with his stern performance, make for an appropriate Duke indeed. While he had many open affairs in the marriage, which the Duchess never contested out of guilt over not being able to produce a male heir, it was his open introduction of a mistress into the household that sent the Duchess into emotional turmoil (explaining the film’s tagline, ‘There were three people in her marriage’).
The Duke’s mistress (Hayley Atwell) started out as a dear friend of Georgiana, but as the film progresses it becomes clear that the Duke always gets what he wants, often at the expense of his wife. In losing this dear friend, The Duchess leads herself into temptation in a public affair with her long time love Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper). As a result of her husband’s stranglehold over her, her children, and ultimately the welfare of Grey, the Duchess is forced to sacrifice her love.
The Duke’s affairs and public rejection of his three daughters successfully lead the viewer to identify with the Duchess while creating a platform for Knightley’s very credible and poignant performance throughout.
Based on a true story and on the 1998 biography of the same title by historian and novelist Amanda Foreman, The Duchess embraces the harsh truths of its narrative and characters, making for a very emotional and empathetic viewing experience. While Knightley and Fiennes offer mature, standout performances, Atwell as a relative newcomer is also impressive, seducing the Duke, the Duchess and the viewer simultaneously. One of the film’s only downfalls however is its relatively understated portrayal of the Duchess’s flaws and transgressions in complying with the film’s PG rating. In doing so, her affectionate relationship with Atwell’s character is not explored nor explained and her gambling, drug addictions and other affairs are also heavily downplayed. But this aside, The Duchess is unexpectedly impressive and moving, offering perhaps Knightley’s best performance to date.
****
MICHELLE MANENTI
|
| Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged. |
|
Be first to comment on this article
