The Duchess
October 16th 2008 10:41
GEORGIANA SPENCER, who became the Duchess Of Devonshire in 1774, was famous for her beauty and trendsetting style, much like Diana, Princess Of Wales. In fact, the two were actually related.
Based on a biography by Amanda Foreman, this lavish production stars Keira Knightley in the title role and Ralph Fiennes as William Cavendish, the 5th Duke Of Devonshire.
Georgiana and the much older Duke are a total mismatch, and the fact she struggles to produce an heir doesn’t help. As far as William is concerned, he’s basically hired Georgiana to give birth to a son so the Cavendish name – and the privilege that goes with it – can live on.
Without giving anything away, the unhappy couple eventually come to an arrangement that allows them to live in relative harmony.
Fiennes is brilliant as the brutish Duke. His mesmerising performance is full of menace, and even a little humour. It would’ve been easy for him to portray William as a total villain, but he gives the man a sense of dignity, whether he deserves it or not.
As for Knightley, it’s hard to think of anyone else in the role. At just 23, she’s already a stalwart of British cinema. She’ll probably be a dame by the time she hits 30! Seriously, though, she does another great job here.
It’s a fascinating insight into an incredible woman and a time in which love had very little to do with marriage.
Based on a biography by Amanda Foreman, this lavish production stars Keira Knightley in the title role and Ralph Fiennes as William Cavendish, the 5th Duke Of Devonshire.
Georgiana and the much older Duke are a total mismatch, and the fact she struggles to produce an heir doesn’t help. As far as William is concerned, he’s basically hired Georgiana to give birth to a son so the Cavendish name – and the privilege that goes with it – can live on.
Without giving anything away, the unhappy couple eventually come to an arrangement that allows them to live in relative harmony.
Fiennes is brilliant as the brutish Duke. His mesmerising performance is full of menace, and even a little humour. It would’ve been easy for him to portray William as a total villain, but he gives the man a sense of dignity, whether he deserves it or not.
As for Knightley, it’s hard to think of anyone else in the role. At just 23, she’s already a stalwart of British cinema. She’ll probably be a dame by the time she hits 30! Seriously, though, she does another great job here.
It’s a fascinating insight into an incredible woman and a time in which love had very little to do with marriage.
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