October 2, 2008
“The Duchess” is visually stunning to the point of distraction. The sets, costumes and manners are straight out of the “BBC meets the National Trust” school of period drama; some scenes are so authentic that they could have been designed by Reynolds or Gainsborough.
Although based on Amanda Foreman’s book “Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire", the film concentrates on Georgiana’s marriage to the powerful Duke of Devonshire and her extra-marital affair with Charles Grey, a young Whig politician who eventually became Prime Minister.
Despite the denials, there are unmistakable parallels with Diana, Princess of Wales. Georgiana’s marriage is dynastic rather than romantic and she is a good mother, naturally gifted with children. As a wife, she suffers from the world's legal and moral double standards, which turn a blind eye to her husband’s adultery, whilst labelling her “a whore” when she decamps to Bath with her lover.
There are brief glimpses of another, more gutsy side of Georgiana which is never really developed; this is the difference between a “safe at the box office” film and a great one. Georgiana Spencer was a highly intelligent and well educated young woman who, as the wife of the Duke of Devonshire, wielded considerable political clout.
Ralph Fiennes gives a fine performance as the Duke, although we are left wondering about the influences that shaped him. Keira Knightley does well as an 18th century Diana, but is no match for the real Georgiana. She deserves better. There was a time when the BBC would have dedicated a 13-part prime-time drama to this great-granddaughter of Sarah Churchill.
Although based on Amanda Foreman’s book “Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire", the film concentrates on Georgiana’s marriage to the powerful Duke of Devonshire and her extra-marital affair with Charles Grey, a young Whig politician who eventually became Prime Minister.
Despite the denials, there are unmistakable parallels with Diana, Princess of Wales. Georgiana’s marriage is dynastic rather than romantic and she is a good mother, naturally gifted with children. As a wife, she suffers from the world's legal and moral double standards, which turn a blind eye to her husband’s adultery, whilst labelling her “a whore” when she decamps to Bath with her lover.
There are brief glimpses of another, more gutsy side of Georgiana which is never really developed; this is the difference between a “safe at the box office” film and a great one. Georgiana Spencer was a highly intelligent and well educated young woman who, as the wife of the Duke of Devonshire, wielded considerable political clout.
Ralph Fiennes gives a fine performance as the Duke, although we are left wondering about the influences that shaped him. Keira Knightley does well as an 18th century Diana, but is no match for the real Georgiana. She deserves better. There was a time when the BBC would have dedicated a 13-part prime-time drama to this great-granddaughter of Sarah Churchill.