In a December 28th DVD release from Paramount Home Entertainment and Director Saul Dibb, Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley portrays the role of one of the most compelling women in British history, The Duchess of Devonshire. A 17-year old naive noble woman, Georgiana Spencer (Knightley) was sent off by her mother, Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rampling), to marry one of the most influential men in 18th century Britain, William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). The Duchess was quickly embraced by aristocratic types in Britain, but she also developed a connection with commoners. Many have called Georgiana the "It Girl" of her time and she was well known as the "Empress of Fashion". She carried a unique charisma and charm that appealed to people from all backgrounds.
It was often mentioned that the only person not in love with the Duchess was her husband. The Duke was a powerful man, but one who lacked politeness and compassion. Georgiana soon realized that her husband's main focus in marriage was creating a male heir. He was deeply disappointed when Georgiana had two daughters. It also did not take long for Georgiana to understand that her marriage would demand a lot from her. She was forced to put up with multiple affairs by her husband, including one with her best friend Bess (Hayley Atwell). She also faced deception and emotional abuse, and had to choose between responsibility to her duties and true love. Through her deepest struggles, Georgiana's true character shined.
The Duchess is a great testament to a brilliant and high impact woman in British history. The story carries a similar theme to many other movies about that era in British high society. Women who were married to powerful men were often forced to take on roles and deal with things that were not just, accept to the men they were married to. Keira Knightley eloquently displays both grace and internal fortitude that were hallmarks of Georgiana Spencer. Ralph Fiennes is also excellent, though his character is despicable. He is perfect in roles like this that demand a stone-cold aura. It reminds me of his role as a leading Nazi officer in Schindler's List. Dominic Cooper also stars as Charles Grey, Georgiana's impossible love. Good movie, sad story!
Running Time: 1:49
DVD Release Date: December 28, 2008
Starring: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, Simon McBurney
Director: Saul Dibb
Reviewed by Neil
Now this is the kind of movie I would enjoy watching. Cross my fingers I win this one. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!