Just A Poor Film

Rating: 4/10 (2 January 2009)

I'm guessing this film was designed as a star vehicle for Miss Knightly. I'm not a cruel person but Kiera simply is not up to carrying such a weighty role. I believe Cate Blanchett, Emily Watson or Gwyneth Paltrow would have each had different takes on the character and come out on top. But KK simply doesn't have or has not yet developed the ability.
There's a 1998 film called DANGEROUS BEAUTY set in 15th century Venice which is very similar to THE DUCHESS in that it centers on a women's fixed and extremely limited role in ruling class, aristocratic society (especially the concept of the mistress). DB succeeds because it focuses more on the society itself (not to mention a far stronger female in the lead role).
Rather than say that this film is bad, its better said that it is just weak all around. And what an awful waste of Ralph Fiennes, who pretty much just struts around and mumbles when hes not making poor love.