Battling Nature In Her Heart

Rating: Null/10 (25 May 2011)

Saul Dibb's 'The Duchess' is very much a typical English costume drama. The focus here is on the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana's marriage to the Duke and her affair with Charles Grey. Dibb's depiction of the marriage is what engages the viewer most. How this loveless marriage costs Georgina her friend, love and, in the end, her freedom is executed effectively on film. However, some of the subplots were underdeveloped, like the romance between Georgina and Charles and Georgina's political influence. The dialogues are well written with wit and sarcasm.
The art direction deserves special mention. The set designs, interior decorations, scenery, makeup and costumes are stunning. The background score, though pleasant to the ears, can be intrusive at times. The cinematography and lighting are brilliant.
Keira Knightley does a fine job. Even though I don't think she's physically the most suitable actress for the role (because of her extreme thinness), her acting here is much better than her usual performances. Ralph Fiennes is outstanding as the quietly powerful duke who knows he has the marriage under his control and will do anything he can to keep Georgina within his confines. At the same time he does seem to feel some sadness for the damage he has caused her. Hayley Atwell too does a superb job as the manipulative yet sympathetic and loyal Bess. Dominic Cooper is the one who delivers a poor performance.
Overall, 'The Duchess' is a decent costume drama that is stunning to look at. I would have liked it more had the focus of the main story also expanded on Georgina's political influence.