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The Duchess
When i really like a period drama, i go all out and fall in love with it. Such is the case with the Keira Knightley's rendition of the role of the Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Cavendish in the film The Duchess. Saul Dibbs has made this movie with the cold steel heart and yet brilliantly empathetic to the trials that this woman has faced.
Set in the late 18th century, this film follows the life of the young wife of one of the most powerful peers in England. The Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes) is a man nearing on the term 'old' and he's been married to this bright, young thing- Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley) who will soon assume her title of Duchess of Devonshire. She rises to the occasion and makes herself the centre of attention and adoration. The Duchess is a smiling fashionista that every man is in love with. Except her own husband. All he wants from her is loyalty and a son and not necessarily in that order. He is, himself, a classic philanderer with a whole litter of illegitimate children, one of whom comes to live in their house with them. The Duchess forgives her husband his sins and takes in the young Charlotte, loving her with all her heart.
Finally after the birth of two daughters and six years of marriage, the Duke decides to make himself more of a nuisance to his bright young wife. He makes her only best friend his mistress, puts her up in the house he shares with his legitimate wife and children, rapes his wife, tries to prevent her from falling in love and then makes her live in conformity to his exacting double standards.
This movie is brilliant. Keria Knightley can, in fact, act. And she's proven it here, beyond every shred of doubt. There's no question of content and there is definitely nothing more than the satisfaction you get when she gets what she wants and nothing more excruciating than the pain that she feels. There are other powerful performances too. Dominic Cooper (Sky, from Mama Mia!) plays Charles Grey and makes the man look so intense and attractive (though i bet he was...he did go on to be Prime Minister!) that it's really easy to fall in love with him. Hayley Atwell makes a really interesting Lady Elizabeth "Bess" Foster. I loved Ralph Fiennes' portrayal of the old Duke. You really do come to hate him!
On the whole, this is a marvellous film! Watch it ASAP!
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