I’m not a hater of costume dramas, but I’m not a tremendous fan. There have been some weak efforts lately such as Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The Other Boleyn Girl. The Duchess is a much stronger picture though I wouldn’t expect too many Oscar nominations outside of Best Costume Design.
The Duchess acts as a parable for modern day celebrity with some not-so-subtle allusions to the life of Princess Diana, a descendent of the Duchess. It is a less anachronistic companion to Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. Georgina is beloved by her subjects, a hit at the parties, and even attracts 18th century paparazzi (in the form of sketch artists). The narrative unfolds just as you’d expect, the kept woman in a loveless marriage, the societal double standards placed on gender.
Saul Dibb does an adequate job in the director’s seat. He’s not as strong visually as Joe Wright who directed Keira Knightley in Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. Speaking of Miss Knightley, she seems to do her best work in these period pieces, Pirates notwithstanding. The true star of this production, however, is the great Ralph Fiennes as Georgina’s boorish lout of a husband. He underplays where others would overplay and lends an odd compassion to someone capable of great cruelty.
Rating: ** 1/2
The Duchess acts as a parable for modern day celebrity with some not-so-subtle allusions to the life of Princess Diana, a descendent of the Duchess. It is a less anachronistic companion to Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. Georgina is beloved by her subjects, a hit at the parties, and even attracts 18th century paparazzi (in the form of sketch artists). The narrative unfolds just as you’d expect, the kept woman in a loveless marriage, the societal double standards placed on gender.
Saul Dibb does an adequate job in the director’s seat. He’s not as strong visually as Joe Wright who directed Keira Knightley in Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. Speaking of Miss Knightley, she seems to do her best work in these period pieces, Pirates notwithstanding. The true star of this production, however, is the great Ralph Fiennes as Georgina’s boorish lout of a husband. He underplays where others would overplay and lends an odd compassion to someone capable of great cruelty.
Rating: ** 1/2
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