Knightley and Fiennes are spellbinding

Rating: 8/10 (12 October 2008)

Normally, I'm not a huge fan of biopics, but I took a gander at this one because of the presence of my all time favorite actor, Ralph Fiennes, and the most talented young actress of her generation in Keira Knightley. Featuring two very strong leads, outstanding tech, and a gripping script, The Duchess is a spellbinding film that showcases a ton of talent and really knows how to show off.
Following the incredibly emotional and true story of Georgiana Spencer Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire and distant relative of Princess Diana of Wales. Georgiana's struggle through betrayal, lies, deception, and her careful walking the line between "loyalty and personal gratitude" is chronicled over the course of ten years from her life.
Our main actors here are no strangers to the roles they are playing. Knightley returns to the powerful period piece genre that gave her an Oscar nomination a few years back and even more acclaim in last year's "Atonement", while Fiennes is at his best playing yet another memorable villain. Knightley's gripping, powerful, and incredibly strong portrayal of one of the strongest characters ever depicted on film is spellbinding. I knew Knightley was a sight to behold in the looks department, but her ability to almost 'seduce' her audience into loving her character is uncanny and unrivaled right now in the business. The conviction and strength of her performance and character is worth the price of admission alone. Fiennes, known as one of the best villainous actors of all time, throws away the mantles of Amon Goeth, Francis Dolarhyde, and Lord Voldemort for his newest masterpiece, the calm, silent, mysterious, and ultimately disturbing Duke of Devonshire. I don't want to say he is frightening, but at the same time, I couldn't help but become frightened as to what he might do when events in the film didn't go in his favor. His deadly quiet delivery of some of the most cruel lines you've heard will leave your blood cold in your veins.
The supporting cast features Dominic Cooper as future UK prime minister Charles Grey, Charlotte Rampling as Georgiana's mother, and Haley Atwell in a role that can be best described as cruel. Cooper's likability as Grey is a key component in the film, despite Cooper being absent for half of the movie, while Rampling is a strong force as well.
What I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that I felt like I was in the late 1700's while watching. Everything from the lighting (it seemed as if all the light in the film was provided by the sun and/or candles), to simple things like Georgiana drinking while she was pregnant (because they didn't know the consequences of this at that time in history) made the atmosphere of the film perfect. The actions of Fiennes' character are heavily influenced by the time period. Georgiana is portrayed, to me, as a wonderful woman ready to change the world, but she was born in the wrong time period. A victim of circumstance, if you will.
Don't even get me started on the elaborate sets and costumes, as well as the make-up. It's all Oscar worthy, and if all three don't get Oscar nominations, there's no dignity left in the world. Knightley's extravagant wardrobe, along with picture perfect wigs and hairstyles, coupled with incredibly realistic and terrific sets, add even more to the atmosphere of the film.
The Duchess may have a ton of very strong points, but it is not without its weaknesses, such as the pacing of the film, which wasn't the best. Though running well below two hours, the film felt much longer because of repetitive party scenes that only serve to make us hate Fiennes more and further build other relationships in the film. I also found the score to be lacking in some parts, but it was still relatively strong.
I don't see the film gaining a Best Picture nomination, but it should threaten in numerous other categories. If you respect the art of film-making, especially acting and the other technical areas, The Duchess will be a shining example for you. It's a gripping story of depression, loyalty, and ultimately, the choices people make. If you like Knightley or Fiennes, or period pieces in general, you'll love it.