England, late eighteenth century. Lady Georgiana marries the Duke of Devonshire. Beautiful outfits, sophisticated conversations not devoid of etiquette, the general atmosphere of palace life - all this you will find here. What you won't find are battles and big politics.
In my opinion, this film is intended mainly for a female audience, because it tells about the difficult female share of the Duchess. Keira Knightley is still young and fresh, perfect for the lead role. Hayley Atwell (the same actress from the TV series “Agent Carter”!) with his piquancy and mystery perfectly complements the grace and charm of young Kira.
Georgiana appears in the image of the ultra-liberal of the time: broadcast thoughts about freedom, which must be absolute. Men are certainly dogs and bastards. The Duke of Devonshire is a dog with dogs, that is, a dog in a square. In fact, why is Georgiana unhappy if the Duke also enjoys full freedom for his sexual pleasures? Other court ladies suffer no less from their husbands. In general, it’s like the Western mainstream, unhealthy feminism, where men are shown as goats and women as martyrs. Of course, cinema is not without realism, and women’s rights in those days were actually suppressed. But the emphasis is not accidental on this, this is the story chosen, so it is foolish to deny that mainstream propaganda of the Western world takes place.
The psychology of the picture is built purely on the relationship between people. The Duchess of Devonshire is naive and romantic – in principle, a pleasant image. Perhaps this is one of the best films by Keira Knightley in terms of her acting skills. This film can be interesting only to people who are not devoid of romanticism in their soul, and who likes to watch historical films with beautiful outfits. The rest of the movie probably won't like it - very long and very boring. A film about the upper class and high feelings, unlimited power and complete insensitivity.
6 out of 10
I saw this movie for the first time 5 years ago, I think, and for some reason every time I stumble upon it somewhere, I can’t come off. Something's literally luring me. Whether it's fancy outfits, or at that time. And even Keira Knightley does not spoil my impression of the picture (although I try to avoid films with it).
Although the emotions of the heroine cause me very stormy. I feel sorry for her. Marrying a duke, having status and money, no woman will be happy without love, I think. The Duchess was one of those. Adultery is not excused, but as I was told by a friend and already over the years a wise woman: ': Having not found warmth in her house, a woman goes to another, where she can be fondled' And why not? Count Gray is a young man who has strong feelings for her. With whom she is still not destined to be, while the Duke of Devonshire finds warmth in the arms of Elizabeth, who has sons. And he was so excited about them!
Despite a high role in society and acceptance among ordinary people, the title of trendsetter and style, Georgiana desperately seeks love.
There is a certain charm in costume productions, while you study the life of the upper noble class with interest, the film in captivity introduces you to the main plot twists and turns.
And ' The Duchess' is a classic costume drama: with passion, with a lot of luxurious dialogue, with medieval injustice that will not yield to the progress of time. The story in the film is interesting and presented quite well. Costumes, scenery - all at the highest level, as well as the acting of leading actors.
Well, the story itself took place, the film is based on a novel based on real events. The whole action of the film focuses on the Duchess, her experiences, feelings, fears. Politics in the film slips only insofar as the film does not seek to pay attention to politics, focusing the viewer’s attention on the feelings of the Duchess. From this, the film becomes more female, although costumed dramas have always been more focused on women.
7 out of 10
It’s amazing how much I liked Keira Knightley in this role. I used to find her acting rather monotonous, but as the Duchess of Devonshire she flashed like never before. Of course, all of this ' jumps & jumps & #39; we have seen her play before, but all of her past acting experience fell on this role especially well. An ironic squint, a flirty smile, an upturned eyebrow - a pretty facade, behind which lies a lot of suffering because of the collapsed romantic hopes for a happy marriage.
The film can be blamed for the lack of bright plot and morality. But what definitely succeeded was to demonstrate the disenfranchisement of women, be it a maid, a keeper or a duchess. There is a parallel with the Duke's dogs: the position of the woman was reduced to the role of a beautiful, faithful and fertile pet.
The heroine tries to snatch her piece of happiness outside the marital bed, but she does not succeed. If men were allowed to have mistresses ' for health ', then women were strictly rejected.
G didn't fight for justice - the script didn't imply (a pity). It was a good thing. Such a woman is bright, stylish, decisive. Plus her sympathy for fraternity-equality-freedom fighters. How could this be extended on the screen! But the writers confined themselves to platitude: for all the apparent well-being - and this is wealth, power, success in society - a woman can be deeply unhappy in marriage. And in order to maintain its position, it must constantly sacrifice something.
6 out of 10 for the wonderful sets, costumes and stunning acting of Fiennes (good devilishly).
Somewhat disappointing is the play of Keira Knightley, who did not quite get used to the image of the Duchess of Georgia assigned to her. It seems that the actress is confident in her irresistibility, like her heroine, but at the same time she just plays, but does not incarnate in the true face to the necessary extent.
The choice of actor Rafe Fiennes for the role of Duke William Cavendish unsuccessful in age parameters. The Duke at the time of marriage was 26 years old, the actor is much older (during the filming he was 46 years old), although he conveys the character of the hero very convincingly.
Impressive English landscapes, costumes and paraphernalia of the second half of the XVIII century, the very recreated historical situation of that time.
The conventions of the upper world are well shown, when the form dominates the content and all those involved in current events understand what is happening, but observe the accepted etiquette and external decency.
The genre of the film “The Duchess” can be expanded, calling it not only historical and biographical, but also psychological, taking into account the theme of dynastic marriages and key plot collisions.
The Unhappy Kira or a typical family history of the time
Melodrama. As it happened, of all the CDs sold in our store, it was The Duchess that caught your eye, and I still wonder why. Maybe because of the pretty face of Kira Knightley, or because of a fairly good price (three hundred rubles for a blue-ray disc in the thirteenth year was very good, while the rest cost in the area of five hundred to seven hundred rubles). I looked at it before I bought it – I liked it. I bought it, and I decided to review it now, seven years later. And my opinion right now is not bad. But whether you should spend your time on this picture - now we will understand. As usual, we will discuss all the pros and cons.
So, pluses:
1. Costumes and scenery - since the picture was shot in England, then you could not worry about this, because historical paintings in England are just as loved (and able) to shoot as in Russia. Everything looks authentic to the historical era. Especially women’s dresses – how did they wear them? It's hard to imagine now. But the luxury and beauty of these outfits can not be denied. The decor is also done at a good level. Estates, palaces, city streets - every object reminds of England and the high world.
2. The main character - I will tell you about her below, but for now we will mark her as one of the well-deserved pluses. Still, Kira's face outweighed the toad, which did not allow you to buy this disc with this picture. Marketers sometimes know everything very well. What can we do about it? I'm just an ordinary person.
3. A good cast - and while famous actors are only in the foreground here, that doesn't mean I won't celebrate it. The actors do not play enchantingly, but overall well. They didn’t deserve to complain.
So, minuses:
1. Unhappy marriage is the main theme of the whole picture. We have seen so much of this good. It's such a cliché that many people are sick of it. I am not saying that every second series uses this stamp as the basis of the story.
2. Female orientation - the whole story is told from the point of view of a woman. It just so happens that I am a guy, and all these experiences and emotions are completely unfamiliar to me. I’m not part of the audience for this film, although I really like The Devil Wears PRADA, despite the same focus. Alas!
3. Boring - the story is banal to the point, and with obvious twists and turns. In all of this, I only liked Kira's choice of heroine towards the end - it's cruel but right. And in general, if you are not bribed by the pretty face of Kira, then you can just fall asleep while watching.
A bit about the main characters:
1. Georgiana performed by Keira Knightley is the young wife of the Duke of Devonshire, who had a “small” problem (well, you know what I mean), and from this went all sorts of scandals and other charms of marriage. Nevertheless, she became a trendsetter and socialite of the time. For the most part, Keira played well, but in some moments was a log. However, this role she was better than the role of underAnna Karenina in the under-picture - a non-performance with the same name.
2. William, Duke of Devonshire, played by Rafe Fiennes, is the husband of Georgiana, one of the richest and most influential people in the Empire. Despite the external lack of emotion manifests itself as a calculating person. Maybe it annoys someone, but not me. He may not always be right, but for the most part, he is right. Rafe played superbly, not without reason the Golden Globe caught.
As a result, we have a good family melodrama about the not very happy marriage of two interesting personalities in a good historical setting, with good actors and good music.
The story of a woman with whom everyone was in love except her husband.
April 1774, the Georgians are 16. The games of a carefree girl are interrupted by a sudden marriage, which, as you know, leads to long-term disappointment.
The banal indifference of her husband was replaced by a flurry of promiscuous love affairs, illegitimate Charlotte, whom the young lady raised as her own child, the death of her sons and the birth of two daughters. For 6 years, Gee acquires an army of fans in the form of the whole of London and the only friend who betrayed her, becoming the next mistress of the Duke of Devonshire.
In the scene where Georgiana learns about this, you can really appreciate the acting abilities of Keira Knightley, who plays brilliantly especially in dramatic moments. The lighting in the scenes of life deprivations of the Duchess is much darker than all other plot productions, makeup artists do makeup, which slightly ages the young actress. In such moments, as if the whole film worked to convey an emotional mood to the viewer.
Rafe Fiennes, who plays Duke, a cold, stupid cracker who has more affection for his dogs than his wife. A slave of his own whims and desires, brought up on the principle of equality, equality between the words “man” and “man”, accustomed to receive everything he wants: a beautiful wife, heir, position in society and mistress. He wants to be blamed throughout the film, but we can’t, because he just takes everything a man is allowed at the time! The role of the actor, to put it mildly, is not verbose, the transmission of emotions occurs mainly due to rich facial expressions and gestures, which are aimed at giving a man clumsiness and clumsiness. Even his gait is more like the small steps of a penguin, which makes him insignificant against the background of the proudly walking Duchess.
It is worth recalling another important figure in this film – the lover of Georgiana – Charles Gray. This hero is the complete antipode of the Duke of Devonshire. Sensual and sensitive, hot-headed, a young active opposition politician gives Lady G what she has been desperately looking for all her life: love! Here Dominic Cooper (Charles Gray), with his role does not cope fully, or fire in the eyes was not enough, or strength in revolutionary speeches, which is not so difficult to judge. Just to the obvious opposite, the young actor did not reach. However, even without this, the contribution of the character to the film is clear and easy to grasp.
The novel of Charles Gray and the Duchess was short-lived, but the retribution for infidelity to her husband she had to bear for the rest of her life. Her daughter, born of this connection, she was forced to give up for upbringing in another family. The scene of separation of mother and child becomes a turning point in the life of Georgiana, after which the woman comes a quiet humility. Her life will end on the estate, where for many years she will live with her husband and his mistress, who is destined to take her place. The Duchess of Devonshire will dedicate her entire existence to her children, and die in the glory of days gone by as a great trendsetter and a woman loved by everyone but her husband.
What is commonly eloquently called “costume cinema” can take on a variety of historical, narrative and artistic forms, causing an appropriate emotional response in us, the audience. The film “The Duchess” quite quickly dispels the lyrical mood in the spirit of the adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels, putting her heroine in not so romantic and sublime conditions. A strong contrast between the girl’s ideas about marriage with a noble man, games on the glade in front of the manor and the reality in a married bed with a not the most delicate man. Faith in a bright future and a long table, where the spouses silently, with the posture of the aristocracy, divide the meal on different sides.
Although the description of the film prepares us for the story of a strong and charismatic woman, the tragedy of the story of the Duchess of Cavendish lies in the discrepancy between the external picture “for everyone” and the actual state of affairs and the inner world of the heroine. The very title of Duchess implies a whole set of conventions, social dogmas of the time, our stereotypes of perception, as an observer. In this sense, it is quite interesting to follow the family life of the Cavendish couple, filled with challenges in the communication of so different natures. Rafe Fiennes is able to create the most sophisticated lyceums on the screen and his image of the Duke excites with his detachment and selfishness, a sense of possession and envy. Not only on the skin of the main character will run an alarming cold from communicating with him.
Although the picture is devoid of the restrained lyricism of the story in the spirit of Jane Austen, the film adaptation absorbed the best features of the transition of the era and mood on the screens. For almost two hours you successfully abstract from modern realities, preferring to them the spirit of aristocratic England of the late eighteenth century. Strikingly luxurious evenings, picturesque promenades on provincial landscapes, fascinating interiors of estates, outfits of women and men, even the Duke's dog. The abundance of small details combines in one work the atmosphere of immersion in the era described. In addition, a closer optional attention to history opens meticulous work to the primary sources.
7.5 out of 10
I will immediately note that in terms of video, the film is at a height - I can not find fault with anything. Acting without comment - believe me. The development of the plot is also good, there are no delays, no ambiguities, no scarcity or monotony, etc., except that behind the dynamism of the plot twists there is some superficiality, underfeeling. When the film ended, I was surprised if it was over, I thought I would have had at least another hour of viewing. In general, the perception of the film was easy and quite interesting.
Everything that happens in this film, in my opinion, will find a special emotional response and understanding from the female part of the audience. This is the story of a simple, understandable woman, albeit a duchess, such, in essence, a simple and straightforward person who falls into the marriage millstone of the patriarchal aristocratic system, where status husbands treat their wives in many ways as things, allowing themselves in marital life different freedoms (vices, more precisely), not especially considering the feelings and opinions of spouses. Such a given of that era in the film is presented from the female side, from the female world - the viewer sees how aristocrats, specifically the main character, adapt to life in such seemingly beautiful, but within discriminatory conditions, i.e. in the center - women's emotions and difficult decisions. In the end, male arbitrariness leads to the fact that the appearance of marriage is threatened, and here, in order not to lose dignity in the eyes of public opinion and exhausting the possibilities of direct physical violence, husbands go to blackmail their wives and threaten them with separation from their children if they leave the family. How differently in this film two aristocrats coped with this life choice, and how bizarrely this similarity of the problem intertwined their fates! In fact, it is the children who become the backbone and basis of the whole plot. An important, it would seem, love theme is somewhere on the side, not quite in the center of the plot. In general, it seemed to me, the film was shot as if without strong stress, different semantic moments are located as if equidistant from the viewer, apparent dominance, I would say, is not observed, the center of the plot by me in the process and after watching was perceived as somehow uncertain. It turns out that in the center directly the spectrum of experiences of the Duchess of Devonshire, the state of her inner world. Perhaps, because of this lack of emphasis, the film looks simple, entertaining, like a firework in the sky, and leaves no impression of serious drama. It gives space for a wide, diverse, but not to say very deep or addictive emotion, which corresponds to a greater degree, probably, to a woman’s worldview and interest than to a man’s.
To summarize, the film turned out not bad, but for me it was nothing exciting or catchy — some uniformly bright narrative and disfocus of the main idea. Or rather, it was exciting in the film, but it somehow rushed through my perception, so I did not have time to penetrate it properly. That's my impression.
Have you ever wondered what you are fighting for in this life? What do you really need? To you, to your heart and soul?
The Spirit of Freedom. Isn't that what many people dream about at night? Are not the birds that are free to fly wherever they please arouse admiration and even envy? All revolutions have always been based on freedom. The paradox is that people often do not even understand what lies behind this powerful and inspiring word. Freedom cannot be restricted, cannot be “half-hearted” or “moderate,” as the main character notes. In this regard, it is worth assuming that there is hardly any freedom in our world.
Values. Everyone in this world builds his own system, a “picture of the world”, which in one way or another can change over the years, but, as a rule, its essence remains the same. Each of us has his own purpose in this life, his own ways of achieving these goals and his own chosen path.
The main character seemed to have everything. Or maybe nothing. Georgiana achieved a high position in society, respect, managed to become a “fashion icon”, but did not find the most valuable – love, which she dreamed of since her youth.
Undoubtedly, the Duchess is one of the most persistent and strong-minded women. She lost a lot in her life, refused the most expensive, but kept going. Rising higher, lifting your head higher, becoming more and more beautiful. Was she happy? Who knows. She was loved, admired, envied and imitated, but did this bring comfort to her soul? Everyone will come to a conclusion after watching the movie.
Georgiana is an example of impeccable education of a woman. With what perseverance she endures the blows of fate! How worthy it reacts to the baseness, rudeness and all the “dirty” of this world. You know, it's really worth learning. To remain a swan among crows, not like them. Those who are able to appreciate such behavior have always been, are and will be. Even men who considered themselves “masters of the world” begin to respect the heroine, communicate with her on an equal footing.
What's this movie about? I think everyone will find their meaning in it, while enjoying magnificent landscapes, impeccably selected music and the chic play of the most talented actors.
Costume films, reflecting the fashion and mores of the past, have long been the subject of my close attention. The film “The Duchess” is dedicated to the life of one of the famous English aristocrats of the XVIII century – Georgiane Cavendish, one of the most influential women of her time, humiliated by her husband’s infidelity, but found an outlet in public life, politics, card games and alcohol. Sounds dramatic? The slogan enticingly echoes: “Intrigue is her hobby, beauty is her weapon. She got everything except love. Shall we see?
"Intrigue is her hobby." I don't think so. For the whole film, not a single royal footstep, nor at least a thorn, the whole life of the aristocracy including the Duchess is boring: ate, hung out, copulated, walked with children, danced at the ball and showed fashionable dresses. Where's the promised intrigue? Georgiana Cavendish wanders with a mournful face, shaking her goose neck like a bulldog on the dashboard of a car, but even Parkinson's attacks are unable to drive a sour expression from the face of the claimed intriguer. The Duchess was so freedom-loving that once she let herself cry hysterically at breakfast, suggesting that her husband adopt the children of her mistress. Goose protest in action. Intrigue Bonacier in shock.
The main role of the Duchess of Cavendish was chosen the actual star of 2007 – the brave pirate Keira Knightley. The girl looks very organic in the role of young and direct Georgiana, playing in the garden with friends. Then the actress had to be changed to a more mature and talented one. Knightley is convincing in the role of a girl who is ready to throw everything and rush to the end of the world to save her beloved, she is pleasant and in the role of a romantic with a guitar, but she does not know how to convey the experiences of an abandoned woman, despair, jealousy and pain. Another very annoying nervous tic actress: constantly twitching half of the face. You'd be sedated if you were so afraid of ruining the stage, but what's to spoil? It won't get any worse. The events that occurred in the film stretch for fifteen years, and in the end we see the same Lizzie Swan, playing in children in catch-up. No miscarriage, no childbirth, no time, no suffering reflected on the face of the Duchess of Devonshire. She must have been a vampire. Or zombies. The latter, incidentally, explains the scene where the Duchess stretched out her arms and closed her eyes, walking around the ballroom. What was missing was the classic howling of “Brains!” Brains! Definitely, the lack of gray matter prevented the writers from getting acquainted with the story and making a film about the life of Georgiana Cavendish, rather than a watery story for lovers of cheap novels in paperbacks. We can assume that the director wanted to make a story about the weakness of a strong woman, about what is hidden behind the beautiful facade of dresses and balls? Yes, that is why he provided the film with a brave slogan, glorifying the intriguing abilities of the Duchess. In order to please melodramatic strong character of Georgiana, her mind was destroyed, there was only an ever sobbing stupid goose, the appearance of which asks one – shoot her, so as not to suffer.
If the main character is so dull and dull, you can imagine what the secondary characters are. What buns in this film lured Rafe Fiennes story is silent, to look at the attempts of a good actor to make a poker face in a bad scenario was unpleasant. More or less alive was Bess Foster (Heilty Atwell), the Duke's mistress, but what a disgrace this family "three" was for Georgiana, it is not said. The Duchess’s connection with Charles Gray, who became a prominent politician, is also mentioned in passing, in the film he is only furniture, like the rest of the characters.
When I chose the film, I expected more. Intrigue, passion, love dramas. It turned out that about every point of Georgiana’s life put a “tick”. At the same time, I want to note the amazing work of the costumers. It is not for nothing that the Duchess was awarded the Oscar for the best costumes. You can see painstaking, thoughtful work with details, good knowledge of fashion of those times, you want to zoom in and consider hats, wigs, dresses. It is a pity that the writing of the script was not carried out the same serious work as when creating costumes.
It happened to catch the eye of the Duchess. It was beautiful, the actors were cute, there was nothing to do. After watching, there was a feeling of bewilderment - what was the film about? It’s 1 hour 45 minutes, you look and think – well, there it is, the plot of action, now.. and no, it’s not her.. and it’s not her.. and now? again wrong... er, credits?? How is that? And where is the plot, where are all these “setting, development of action and culmination, denouement and epilogue”? Although what is the epilogue here, when the plot has not moved beyond the exhibition?
The tagline is from some other movie, right? What intrigue is there if the main character suffers the whole film, sniffs her nose and walks like she is in the water (with all my love for Kira)? Not that intrigue, banal gossip on her part does not smell, she is not an intriguer, but a clear victim. "Beauty is her weapon"? Come on, for the whole film, no one has ever admired the beauty of the heroine even out of a sense of decency, there are also no stacks of fans (one indistinct does not count) - what kind of fatal beauty is this? She didn't get love - well, it's not at the box office at all. What love? Judging by the film, she tried to twist an affair with a childhood friend only in opposition to her husband, out of principle - since you have a mistress, then I will have a lover. That's all love.
Anyway, it was kind of empty. But! Curiosity is the engine of progress! There is an article on Vicki, and it would be better if the film was made on it: it turns out that Georgiana lived tragically, piquantly, interestingly, scandalously, significant for history (at least, to introduce a new color of her name into fashion is not a khukhry-muhry). And yes, the plot is there, with a climax and a tragic outcome.
Total: a sweet-sweet story without drama about the Duchess of a difficult fate. No idea. What the director wanted to say is unclear. I don’t know if he had anything to say with this film. Why is the image of the Duchess so distorted is also a mystery: the prototype was too shocking for film adaptation? It was better not to remove at all then than to turn a politician, a public figure, a secular lioness and fashion trendsetter, a drug addict and a gambler (yes, this is all about her) into such neither fish nor meat a slurred creature, it is not clear why suffering and languishing =)
5 out of 10
There are different movies. Some call for an unprecedented action, others with smart dialogues, and others with secrets. Everyone has their own. This film is clearly familiar with the expression “Meet on clothes...” because it dressed up in the envy of many.
Surely there are films that will tell the most original about the capricious fate that awarded intelligence, beauty, wealth, but deprived of love. There will be those who are more severe to tell about the lack of rights of women in any class. Other films, not ashamed of tears, will cry out more emotionally about the sacrifices a mother is willing to make for her children.
But there is hardly another movie that will so amaze you with the outfits of the main character. Kira seemed to come off the portraits of the beauties of that era. Her Duchess is light, graceful, graceful, witty, cheerful. And under that shiny mask you can't see her tears, you can't see her suffering. She will be proud of everything she has prepared for her. Helping those around you. Giving hope to others. I hope that happiness is possible.
A film about luxurious youth, love, motherhood and beautiful dresses.
An elegant stroke on the canvas of the plot is the fragmentary story of the Duchess of Devonshire – the story of a secular “lioness”, a brave woman, mother, mistress and a typical victim of the principles and orders of her time.
Like many BBC films, this film is an extremely stylish, stunningly beautiful reflection of a very interesting era. But behind a heap of dresses, brocade, velvet and huge feathers swaying intricate wigs, there is absolutely nothing special. The script is good in principle, but pale - the woman depicted in it hardly looks like herself. Yes - kind of a politically active lady, which is unusual for those times; yes - kind of a trendsetter; yes - kind of resigned with dignity with her role in her "love triangle" (what a scandal it was, what humiliation actually!)... Well, given Georgiana's role in the real world, her sharp mind, her diplomacy, her influence on political events and her people, her problems with drugs and alcohol and her psychological problems, she is portrayed here quite blandly.
However, the film is commendable. The role of the Duchess-mother, the duchess-unfortunate in love was succeeded by Keira Knightley, although it could hardly be doubted - Kira succeeded in such reincarnations. The beauty of landscapes and scenery is slightly inferior to the splendor of costumes, and you can admire the picture from the first to the last frame.
Beautiful, light, quite soulful film, which I recommend to any viewer. Do not wait for a historical drama - the plot of the film is like a beautiful picture, like those sketches that were seen by Georgiana and Charles.
P.S. Rafe Fiennes is also great, worth noting.
The first thing that prompted the viewing of the film “The Duchess” is Keira Knightley and Rafe Fiennes in the lead roles. Their characters fall into a real bind of feelings and emotions, and getting out of it is not so easy.
Let’s start by saying that the film is incredibly beautiful. Rich scenery, beautiful outfits from the most expensive fabrics, castles and magnificent landscapes - all this is the reason for the aesthetic pleasure obtained from viewing. Very faithfully conveyed the era of the 18th century, exactly shows the life of the English aristocracy. All this is decorated with music, which is very suitable for this film.
Great acting, especially Keira Knightley, who was also remembered by me for many other roles, like Anna Karenina from the film of the same name. Beauty in it is mixed with a magnificent game - she managed to convey the subtlest emotions, so that you feel the severity of events. I don’t think the film would have been so bright and interesting without her.
The plot of the film is also fascinating from the first minutes. The gradual escalation of emotions makes you worry: what will happen next? We see how young Georgiana is not happy in her marriage to her husband, and ironically she finds true love on the side. Before us unfolds such a romantic story, but, unfortunately, it is not long to be satisfied with it. A happy tale ends under the onslaught of harsh reality.
In addition, it is shown that the dry shell of good old England hides great emotions, and behind the walls of magnificent castles – intrigue and passion. The main characters are faced with a dilemma: love, which they dreamed of, or follow a predestined path. Unfortunately, combining these two choices is proving to be an incredibly difficult task.
A beautiful film that left very bright and bright emotions. The theme of love is revealed simply perfectly and thanks to the actors and proper directing, such an important and serious topic is well developed.
P.S. Fans of good old England, as well as aristocratic pomposity will appreciate this movie:
9 out of 10
Many films have already been made about how difficult it is to be a queen, an empress, a duchess, a word at court. As they say, you have to pay for fame, success and inexhaustible wealth. But the price to pay is not always known. Yes, you need to control yourself very well, your feelings, deny yourself pleasures and joys all your life, obey the will of your spouse. All this is the fate of many wives, the question remains only how much? This is the main question...
In my view, in The Duchess, the answer is that sometimes it borders on common sense, on all sorts of reason, that it comes somewhere in the middle of mental health. This, by the way, contributes, of course, chosen for this role Keira Knightley, which I personally will always be associated with her other role – Anna Karenina, where just about that.
What else can I say? The movie touches. Especially, I think, women will be touched. It is about women, about motherhood, about marriage.
It is amazing to see Keira Knightley with her extraordinary beauty and femininity. Can you tell me how much she has done in this role? I think she looked very harmonious. Maybe a couple of things can be criticized.
But here, I think every woman would be as good as the heart of a woman in her breast, a mother or a mother-to-be, it doesn’t matter, because a woman’s heart can’t beat at the sight of such things.
There's no moral here and there can't be. Only that everyone has their own destiny. Appreciate the card that fell to you.
The Duchess is a 2008 European, biographical, historical, costume drama. The film turned out to be realistic and acquires all the traditions of the time. You watch this movie and it feels like you’re really there. It is impossible not to say that the costumes and dresses of this film were amazing, sewn just great.
We see the story of one heroine. She was always a rebel, but when she was married to a very rich man, the rebelliousness passed. She became a duchess and got a position in the world. We see her dramatic fate, fatal love and lack of choice and alternative in her situation.
Cinema attracts attention because of the cast. Keira Knightley is an actress with a memorable appearance and good acting talent. She looks great in costume films on the main roles. The actress has a zest that makes her so interesting, attractive and mysterious. In this drama with a drop of melodrama, Knightley played with dignity and well conveyed to the screen all the emotional situation of her desperate heroine. Rafe Fiennes is an actor of controversy. He often plays the difficult roles of superficial people. That role was his. In the small role of the mother of the main character it was nice to see the British actress Charlotte Rampling. She's an amazing actress that I love. Even a small role can make noticeable and arrogant. Some scenes from the film I remember well. The movie is well filmed, and it feels good when watching. I think this picture is more suitable for a female audience. “The Duchess” is a film about the desire for love, about calculations, about the fact that women at that time had little choice, and we see a story of broken fate and helplessness against the system of that era.
8 out of 10
I really like historical films. They let us into another world of past epochs and centuries, where everything is different, different rules, values, foundations and traditions, and this world attracts that it is mysterious and incomprehensible to the modern viewer.
A greater percentage of these films can be conditionally called “pseudohistorical”, since they are reoriented to our modernity. Probably, the creators fear that if you recreate the era completely, it will no longer be relevant today.
However, some of these films are very successful, some are not very.
In the “Duchesses” in the first place in the eyes “throws” entertainment. Expensive decorations, magnificent interiors, lush costumes... From an artistic point of view, they tried to fame, a lot of money was invested!
As for historical authenticity, alas, even the former “three” in history it is clear that some positions in the film are embellished, illogical and could not have taken place in those distant times.
In The Duchess, Georgiana Devonshire is represented by a victim and a positive character on all sides. I don’t know how it was in the book, described in the book, but just “Google” and the picture of her relationship with her husband, girlfriend, lover and society appears in a completely different light.
First, the “victim” in this complex and tragic (and in fact not quite so, because historical sources confirm that all participants in these events were quite satisfied with their own lives) would be more correct to consider her husband, with whom they did not agree with the characters and views on family life. He aspired to a quiet, homely and peaceful life, and she aspired to shine, be visible, and play cards, squandering her husband’s fortune. In the film, this moment is tactfully pushed to the background, although in the relationship between the Duke and Duchess it was a serious problem, hitting the purse of the husband and the health and mental state of his wife (psychologists say that gambling addiction is practically not cured).
In the film, the cruel actions of the Duke seem to contradict his sad look and tired look. As if the actor wants to show something different than the director and screenwriter put into his character. Tired of removing the wig, the actor Ralph Fiennes, as it seemed to me, tried to cause the viewer more compassion than hatred.
Secondly, the development of relations between the Duke and the girlfriend of our heroine took a completely different path. Various sources claim that it was Georgiana who personally pushed her friend into the arms of her husband, since apparently their relationship was bland, this is one! and two - she herself had lovers, and not one, as shown in the film, and by the way, the husband did not prevent this, which was quite understandable, because reading historical literature, you constantly encounter a description of the mores of those times when a noble titled person must have a lover (lover) to maintain her image, so it was actually with all the influence of the church and the strictest rules of decency in society.
If you dwell on the rules of decency in more detail, then two moments in the film killed me. The so-called love scene between Georgiana and Bess, in my opinion, could not have happened in real life, much less in this way! And two, impeccably well-bred high-ranking aristocrat without conscience throws herself into the arms of Count Grey, breaking into his room and almost raped (without quotation marks). The love games of that time, in my opinion, had a completely different appearance, which does not allow such an obvious initiative on the part of a woman and necessarily contains an assumed modesty. I also think that the absolutely ugly scene at the ball, where the Duchess got drunk and publicly disgraced, just unrealistic, because in such an incident, her reputation would be completely ruined.
The unhappy, ruined female fate of the Duchess of Devonshire appears before the viewer in all its depression, hopelessness, tear. In reality, both logically and in fact, the Duchess lived a happy, rich, comfortable life full of wealth, respect, pleasure. Of course, it is easier to empathize with a completely positive and offended by fate, but there are no people in the world that are definitely bad and definitely good. Thus, it can be judged that the Duchess of Devonshire was far from an angel, and her husband is not such a devilish offspring, as presented in the film.
And in any case, it turned out a little tearful historical melodrama with a claim to seriousness about a really odious and brilliant Duchess, and the personality of this woman is worth making a film about her, at least of this kind.
I would like to say a few words about the lead actor Keira Knightley. Who else would play another 18th-century beauty? Give in every historical film by Kira! And if not joking, it is already becoming predictable: again historical cinema and again with Keira Knightley in the lead role. Yes, of course, she is cute, but somewhere she overplays, somewhere she lacks charm. Or maybe she's just getting tired of it.
“The Duchess” is that amazing case when you watch a movie with enthusiasm, and at the end you wonder what it was about. What did the writers put into it? What kind of morality?
To highlight the biography of a real historical character? Then, first of all, it was not necessary to twist the facts and shift the accents so much. Georgiana Devonshire was, first of all, a socialite, the film also shows a woman mired in family problems.
To show how systematically the Duchess gets confused in relationships and in herself? Then it was done very sloppy, sketchy. Sometimes I just did not keep up with the chronology, and, to be honest, I still do not know how many years the events of the film cover, and how much time passed between individual pregnancies-births, because outwardly the actors did not change, did not age.
To demonstrate that motherly love is stronger than love for a man? This may have happened, but not everyone can catch such a message. I was not hooked, even perceived as a weakness, an inability of the character to fight, although this struggle was expected in the context of the groundbreaking political that Georgianne supported.
Perhaps if the accents in the film were placed differently, the meaning would become more, and so - only
Something has to be sacrificed. She sacrificed love...
The film was released a long time ago, but for myself I discovered it only a few days ago.
Without a long preface, the film was made very, very, very beautiful. The Oscar for costumes is absolutely deserved, as well as the Oscar nomination for scenery.
The plot is generally not intricate: a beauty from a noble family is married by her parents to a rich and influential duke. The girl is young, naive and hopes that never seen her future husband is in love with her. This is where the Duchess’ life begins. She cannot conquer her husband, but instead she manages to conquer all of England.
With the real life story of the Duchess of Devonshire, the similarity is great, but not complete, although this does not apply to viewing.
Actors
To be honest, I was not interested in this picture, although he played his role properly, of course. He created the right background.
But Keira Knightley played flawlessly, although sometimes there was still a certain naivety that with an adult woman does not fit as well as with a young girl. Nevertheless, her behavior, her speech, her gestures all indicated that she was a Duchess.
Music.
For films of this kind, it is quite standard, but beautiful.
Spectacularity.
Of course, this is not the Avatar or the Avengers. Dinosaurs and green men will not show you either, but, believe me, the film is shot stunningly beautifully, ranging from landscapes to makeup on the face of the main character.
If you like historical films, beautifully showing the Europe of those times, beautiful outfits, luxurious castles, beautiful receptions, then here you are.
10 out of 10
The film is very soulful. I really sympathized with the main character. When she was young, she got married and thought about happiness, love, but she didn't get it. In the picture you can feel the emotions of the Duchess, her hatred and powerlessness before her husband who does not love her. She has experienced a lot of betrayal and betrayal, but she lives only for the sake of her children and continues to smile.
The acting was strong. I empathized with the main character, I sincerely hated the Duke, I did not understand the mother of the main character, how she allowed her daughter to be so down, but still, at that time the law was on the side of her husband and mother could not do anything.
I am sincerely glad that in the yard of the 21st century and a woman can easily file for divorce, and the husband will not be her order, we have a court, women’s rights have become almost on par with men’s, but still even in the 21st century there are cases that occurred in the 18th.
9 out of 10
Undoubtedly, a movie like any work of art should be evaluated from the point of view of the relevance of those premises that are offered to us for consideration. It is not for nothing that the authors seized on this true story: although we do not have prohibitions on divorce, even if the virginity of the bride today is already almost obsolete atavism, and the concept of honor and dignity has undergone serious changes, but a woman is still as defenseless as in those glorious times. All the same, domestic violence is committed, children are still taken away, all the same women hide their suffering from prying eyes.
The film ' Duchess ' offers us in fashionable interiors and exteriors to look at the necessities of our modern society. This is a kind of deception (or scenery - as you like) to lure the viewer with the promise of a beautiful costumed story with favorites and courtesans on trial himself. When you realize that the story is too modern, and the costumes with wigs will fade into the background, it will be too late: the trial is in full swing, and it will not leave – from the auditorium, some will move to the jury chair, others will become witnesses, and others will take the dock.
In short: the film is deeper than it seems at first glance.
10 out of 10
Deciding what to see on a Sunday night, she oscillated between something fantastic and gentle historical. As a result, after viewing the list of “what I want to see”, I remembered about the “Duchess” postponed once to a distant shelf. After flipping through the characterization on KinoPoisk, I decided not to read the reviews, which were completely different - and green, and red, and gray. So to speak, to evaluate without bias. I guess I succeeded.
Coincidentally, watching The Duchess came at the end of my third book on Victorian England. Although the events of the film take place a little earlier, the general prerequisites for the era I love are everywhere. Especially the issue of women in society. That’s where I’ll start.
Throughout the film, she tried to look for in the behavior and actions of the main character those intrigues that were promised in the slogan: "Intrigue is her hobby, beauty is a weapon." To be honest, I didn't. Not once. Not for them, not for her to enjoy her beauty. The ability to own the public - yes, and more than once, the "election campaign" Charles Gray is a clear proof of this. Here's a question about intrigue. Reading the abstract, I was ready to see the story of a lady, the weaving of webs around herself for whom is the essence of all life, a kind of social hoodlum, for whom rumors behind her back are the norm and somewhere even a little goal. Here is a completely opposite picture. I saw the story of a deeply unhappy woman, a failed marriage (and certainly not at her behest), a broken life and a broken heart. And what they tried to position as “intrigue”, I consider a cry of the soul, something more bright than vicious, and hardly anyone after watching the film will be able to object to me. Georgians had a hard time becoming the wife of a man for whom there is nothing sacred and important in marriage. For him, the wife is only a machine for the production of heirs. There was no love, no support, no attempt to portray it. Secular events, gambling became an outlet for her - although, again, not in such a radical form as in the same "Marie Antoinette". In The Duchess, we also see a story about female friendship, the existence of which, as we know, has always been in question. These questions are very, very clear here.
And, of course, I can’t help but add that the story of Georgianna is more of an ordinary case than an original story. I mean, back then. Sadly, so many women were suffering at the hands of their rich and powerful husbands, who believed they were allowed anything, while their poor spouses were entitled to literally nothing. And if they tried to somehow make up for the gaps in the failed life, they were immediately condemned by the higher society. Let's take at least "Anna Karenina", in the last film adaptation of which, incidentally, Knightley also played.
The actors, in my opinion, played their full. I cannot judge objectively, as I looked in dubbing, and for the full picture you need to hear the original speech of the players, but judging by the picture, everything was very, very good. For Keira Knightley, such films have already become a hallmark, it looks great in historical images. I often hear people say that she overdoes it. Hmm, maybe so. But it looks so harmonious that sometimes you wonder how much a person is in his place.
Rafe Fiennes, cold and completely indifferent to his wife, fulfilled his task as a "dreamer", by all means. This was expressed in his facial expressions, and in the way he held.
Haley Atwell got the role of a treacherous friend, and although her character changed a little by the end of the film, I believe that the lion’s share of betrayal lies on her shoulders. Georgiana’s phrase that “a friend was stolen from her” does not completely repel the essence of what happened – the friend himself was obviously not averse. And there was hardly a great and pure love there, like G and Gray, because looking at the Duke of Devonshire, it is hard to believe that something like this can happen to him. But that's true, personal opinion.
And, of course, Dominic Cooper - it is a sin not to remember him, paying tribute to his role in the life of Georgiana, the guy played convincingly, but his character did not burn into the soul. I would not be the one to whom I, in the place of G, would rush into my arms without hesitation.
Separately, I want to highlight Charlotte Rampling, who plays the role of Georgiana’s mother – a true venerable lady representing the older generation of women of that era, and although she did not appear on the screen often, according to her instructions, we can make an approximate picture of how in those days society perceived marriage in principle, even despite possible vicissitudes on the part of her husband. Charlotte acted like a true Englishwoman. I went through her filmography (I have to admit, I didn’t know her before) and was a little upset when I saw a very, very small percentage of historical films. It fits very harmoniously into the style of this movie.
The overall impression of the painting is remarkable. I am not a historian to judge the correspondence/inconsistency of certain historical moments of reality. I think that you can find a certain number of blunders if you want, but I do not think it is so important. The film, in the end, artistic, not documentary, and one hundred percent compliance from him does not require.
The only regret is that such a share in those days fell on women more often than I would like.
And for a beautiful evening excursion into the life of the heroine of his time:
10 out of 10
The Duchess of Devonshire (Georgiana Cavendish) is a prominent figure in British history. This is a strong, strong-willed lady, a socialite, fashionista, a woman who was actively engaged in politics, not weakly indulged in alcohol and famously lost large sums at the card table. Like all girls of that time, she did not marry for love, and like all girls, she tried to convince herself that she would be patient and love. When Georgiana realized that she would not succeed in family happiness, she did not whine and complain, but channeled her energy into the channel of public life, compensating for the lack of manly love with luxurious dresses and lovers. In general, even if you briefly read the story of the life of Lady Cavendish, you can conclude that such a worthy lady is not a sin to make a good film. Hint is the keyword “good.”
The creators of this film, most likely, passed postgraduate practice on the First Channel or on the Rossiya channel, where, do not feed bread, let the air be stuffed with Sunday melodramas about the lives of suffering women. Perhaps the creators of this film shot specifically for a certain group - housewives who love to savor the suffering of heroines in endless series, where the rich do not just cry, but fight in sobs. Anyway, but poor Lady Cavendish in this pseudo-historical film was a typical representative of Rublyovka-style (elite glamorous kitty), only transferred to the entourage of another era.
So, in the film, young but poor Georgiana has a dilemma - to marry a loved one or marry an oligarch, excuse me, a duke. Of course, the girl chooses the oligarch! But then, for some reason, he begins to suffer. And then the audience should feel sorry for her, but is it worth pitying the glam kura, who chose money rather than love, and then turned out to be so stupid that she could not find pluses in her comfortable existence? Instead of showing the strength of character of Georgiana, who becomes both a politician and an influential secular lady, we are shown how a lady who lives in wealth is being fooled by the excess of this wealth, who, instead of taking everything from life, walks with an expression of universal longing on a face stretched from resentment to the whole world. Where is that intelligent, beautiful, influential woman who was admired and captured in portraits? If the Duchess of Devonshire had seen her portrayed by her descendants, she would have ordered the entire crew to be whipped out. And to present the story of the Honorable Lady as an example of women’s disenfranchisement is an unmistakable way to sit in a puddle. Little G was not a disenfranchised person and did not consider herself such.
As for the acting, it corresponds to a worthless sobbing-sweet scenario: while poor Knightley was pushed into a corset (in order to form a waist and designate her breasts), the poor girl was squeezed with a chakra responsible for emotions, so the actress passed the whole film with a frightened facial expression and a jaw protruding forward. The poor Fiennes situation is no better, on the face of the actor you can read only one thing: it is better to be for life Voldemort than to be a douche Duke in a bad film.
The film deservedly received an award for decoration. Yeah, they're beautiful. Landscapes and beckon with their picturesque, costumes captivate with wealth. A natural question arises, if the film was planned as a demonstration of clothes, was it not better to take instead of the actors of modeling? At least one void in this film - the void of Knightley's corset would have been filled.
This movie story can appeal to those who are able to watch costumes for two hours without stopping. Or those who fall for a beautiful picture and do not attach importance to the plot. Those who are interested in history and love meaningful cinema, this film can be safely put aside.
“The drama is what it should be,” I thought after watching. There are no frills in the romantic line, perfectly selected actors who perfectly match their role. Rafe Fiennes as a misanthropic and notable Victorian aristocrat; Keira Knightley, initially as a naive seventeen-year-old girl, later as one of England's most popular women. The tape is saturated through with quiet despair, which hides behind exquisite costumes and luxurious surroundings. A comparison of priorities is immediately striking, which the author emphasizes.
As for my opinion, I definitely liked the film, although at the beginning my expectations were not encouraging. I am glad that the plot is not devoid of a core and morality, and throughout it the main idea is not missed.
A distinctive ending. That kind of middle ground at the end of a drama is rarely seen. He gives respite to the snotty endings of unfulfilled love, and makes it clear that there is something more weighty. However, at the same time, life without it cannot be filled with material good and fame; the realization of this burdens the heroine to the end.
To sum up, The Duchess is a good English drama worthy of its director and actors.
Historical films for me are usually a pleasant joy, but not this time. One of the famous love triangles of England was shown. A raw film from a historical point of view and the acting of Keira Knightley. Many facts are not disclosed, there is not enough depth, which makes the life of the characters seem bland, painful and, unfortunately, superficial in historical terms. Everyone is tired and dependent on each other. The film lacks a spark. Believe me, in those years, a wealthy secular society skillfully entertained.
The secular beauty Georgiana Devonshire, cared about her image, was known as a fashionista living in luxury, surrounded herself with noble and creative people of her era, as well as politicians. Among them were not only gossipers, but also intelligent, politically savvy people. Alas, the film does not show us the creative environment, there are no writers at all, but there are unknown draftsmen of sketches, although many artists captured the Duchess in the paintings, including Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. Cavendish herself was an active political participant, although women had no rights to do so. The film makes little mention of the Duchess’s political involvement. After all, she spoke to the public, defending the ambition of the family. In the frame, not deftly flashes a ladies hat with the inscription Fox, the layman and do not understand what. Charles James Fox, a distant relative of whom Georgiana performed. Keira Knightley looked unconvincing as Georgiana Devonshire. That’s because aristocracy is not a pretended pretense. Playfulness is not natural. A failed attempt to get used to the image. Additional etiquette lessons would be helpful. The screen Duchess is difficult to empathize with, she does not sympathize, she causes a feeling of emptiness and doom. Angular with unnatural smiles and fake ridicule. Loses to other actors, hides behind them, like behind mourning masks. Although she is the central figure of this novel, she rightfully did not consider herself unhappy, enjoying luxury, surrounded by a crowd of fans, jewels, courtiers and palaces. She had more lovers than Charles Gray. Moreover, the film does not reveal the true, destructive propensity of Georgiana to alcohol, drugs and gambling, which served as the development of a deadly disease. Destructive hobbies, shown casually, occasionally, only serve as a general quiet background. Then they were comforted and forgotten. In public, she coped successfully, at home opposite. The Duchess' miscarriages are superficial. After all, in fact, she could not have children for nine years after that, which significantly disrupted the relationship with her husband, who was expecting a son. The morals were different. In addition, she had an eye infection and scars on her face, after a successful operation, which did not affect her reputation. She remained popular despite her mutilated face. “Intrigue is her hobby, beauty is her weapon.” She got everything - except love..." hardly appropriate in this case. The Duchess herself arranged so that her husband stayed with the noblewoman Bess and did not suffer from this at all, on the contrary, she liked this spectacle, especially the reaction of the upper world to the threesome marriage.
Powdered, historical facts, painted wrapper of playfulness still can not hide.
The story of a woman who by her influence was able to overtake the Queen of France, Marie Antoinette. A look at the biography of the Duchess of Devonshire once again allowed you to see the drama of this life inside the palaces. All these balls, walks, beautiful life - all this is just a beautifully decorated cemetery.
Only this woman is awe-inspiring. Georgiana Devonshire tried to resist all this secular beaumonde, and doing it gracefully, striking the whole beaumonde with one appearance. And yet one woman, even such a strong spirit, will have to live by the rules of the world of that time.
Her life was sweet, but let’s take a closer look. Behind her greatness, behind her strength, there are such things as to endure all resentment from her husband, since there is no heir, to endure the betrayal of only a close person, to endure love for a person with whom you can never be.
The film shows how the laws of time are much stronger than all feelings and any humanity. The film is about how the Duchess herself can not live in freedom, being a slave of all secular mud. The law is written only one: your children are the only people whose love is justified by everything that happens. And only for them the Duchess will live in this beautiful cemetery.
Impressive play of actors, because greatness is not so easy to play, under the appropriate musical accompaniment, which forms the spirit of that time, the spirit of ordinaryness and luxury. For lovers of the history of great personalities, historical dramas and in general for everyone who likes to see what the soul of such tall people as the Duchess hides, I recommend you to watch.
I got this movie a long time ago. But nobody dared to see it. Like, and in front of neighbors uncomfortable, the film is female. About some outfits, balls... Turns out I was wrong.
Turns out it's about a woman. Strong women in times are not the best for them. The plot is interesting and realistic. The same can be said of heroes. I especially liked the image of a silent husband, for whom his wife is some kind of soulless incubator. He seems to have feelings, too, he worries. He just doesn’t know how to be as emotional as the others. The other heroes are interesting, too. It's Ms. Beck and the politician in love and the rest.
I will tell you about the main character, played by Keira Knightley. I only felt sorry for her a couple of times. It was the most beautiful moment when she took a child. As a mother, she is unworthy of such suffering. And here's the fact that she wasn't lucky with her husband. Well, it's my fault. She was married by consent, and she was happy at first. Well, she's not lucky with her husband. It wasn't forced to. It reminds me of the days when girls marry the rich and then cry. They don't like them, they cheat. Where did you guys look before the wedding? You choose, you suffer.
As for the talented actress, I didn’t like her at first. I thought Kira was a little too pretentious. Pretentious and even brazen. And it was only with the beginning of the credits that I realized that it was the heroine itself. Whatever hardships she endured, she seemed like a cheerful duchess. And that's what Keira Knightley showed from the very first minute. Yes, maybe hypocritical, but strong in spirit. Not everyone can give up love for children.
So it turned out that the film is not about dresses and balls. It's impossible not to notice them, though. Kira must have tried ten hairstyles. But first of all, we have a historical drama. A drama about the fate of a woman who loved. And loved, but not loved. And, of course, the film is not just for girls. Yeah, it's not for everyone. It is for lovers of history, beautiful outfits, life dramas and Keira Knightley.
7 out of 10
The film "The Duchess" with Keira Knightley is a stunning film adaptation that delights, does not leave indifferent and inspires many viewers to re-watch. To be honest, before the role in The Duchess, I did not take Keira seriously, everywhere it seemed to me that her acting was predictable and similar, and that the actress does not manage to completely reincarnate into her heroes, but here, Keira Knightley dispelled all my long-held beliefs. Kira does not play, but lives in this story, and as if it is not Kira at all, but a real Duchess of Devonshire, whose life suddenly opened to our eyes, in our century.
The story of an unhappy woman, an English Duchess, Georgiana, unloved, unwelcome. She is a role model in society, a trendsetter, a socialite, a politician, but in her family she is the helpless property of her indifferent husband, Duke William, a despot and an insignificant person preoccupied with the thought of an heir and his dogs. Her close friend, Elizabeth, becomes her husband’s mistress, and humiliated Georgiana has to live in this love triangle under one roof for the rest of her life. The only happiness is the beloved man, Charles Gray, with whom she had a child, but her husband blackmails her away from Gray and his daughter. Her life is a tragedy, which is gaining momentum in front of the viewer. It is impossible not to sympathize, it is difficult not to cry, you understand that the situation for the heroine is hopeless, she understands this, but she can do nothing, because in the yard 18 century, where women have no rights, all power is in men. Despite all the suffering, in society, she continues to smile, and behind that smile there is a deep wounded soul of a lonely woman.
The amazing performance of actors, costumes, music, atmosphere, everything is harmonious and beautiful for perception, despite the tragic nature of the plot, it is pleasant to relax under the film after a hard day’s work. Everyone should watch this film and my assessment.
It was so long ago that the mores of those times seem almost wild. In the second half of the 18th century in England, a certain Georgiana married the Duke of Devonshire. And lived an interesting, but not very happy life, which lived many Georgians of that time.
The film “The Duchess” is based on not even a book, a doctoral thesis. The outstanding woman of her time, Georgiana Cavendish, basically lived by the rules of the high society into which she was introduced by her husband. She received the guests of the Duke, was known as a trendsetter and pleasant companion, and also silently fulfilled her marital duty, lying under her husband and trying to give birth to an heir. However, it was her story that proved interesting. Maybe because she was a rare woman in her day who spoke out on political issues and even supported the Whig Party when the king was a Tory. Or maybe because of the love triangle in which Georgiana lived most of her already not very successful marriage.
Anyway, the thesis, the book and the film exist. And I thought it was not a sin to pay attention to them.
The main role of the long-suffering Duchess was played by Keira Knightley. Of course, this actress knows how to wear luxurious dresses with crinoline and huge wigs on her head (I think it was then that the complex was instilled in women that there should be a lot of hair on her head, otherwise – ugly). She knows how to be arrogant, restrained, passionate. But the role of a desperate mother was not very successful. Dry tears on a too-bleached face, cold beauty instead of ugly despair. And her exact figure as if not spoiled neither numerous childbirth nor time. When the Duchess Knightley gives birth to her last child, the costumers simply put on the actress a ridiculous white flower dress and lace the corset. And it is so striking that the scene, from which the entire female part of the audience should tear, does not touch at all.
But William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire performed by Ralph Fiennes on the contrary frighteningly convincing. I've never seen him play a more disgusting role than this one. The Duke, as shown in the film, was a very harsh man, if not a despot. For most of the film, he is silent and watches with his piercing eyes. And when he speaks, it is the speech of a person who knows that everything in this world happens as it should. Every time he appeared in the picture, I shuddered. Fiennes managed to become a nightmare not only in the life of the Duchess, but also mine for almost 2 hours of the film.
Supporting roles - the mistress of the Duke and the lover of the Duchess - went to non-English luxurious Haley Atwell and strange actor Dominic Cooper, whom I after "Devil's Double" can not perceive in the role of pre-decent people. And the insensitive right mother of Georgiana was played by the equally insensitive, but beautiful Charlotte Rempling. All of them, of course, complemented the picture, but the director apparently reasoned that since it is called “Duchesses”, the film will be 70% dedicated to the Duchess. I haven’t seen so many close-ups in a movie in a long time. A long admiration of the operator’s face Keira Knightley, on which she diligently showed misfortune and pride at the same time.
To call the plot interesting personally, I do not turn my tongue. The film shows the measured flow of time. A year has passed, two years have passed, six years have passed. And dwells only on the rare moments of the Duchess' rebellion against her husband and the rules of life in high society. A biographical film, splashed hastily. A film about customs and rules that we do not understand now.
“How stupid of me to think I could talk to my husband.”
I recommend it to fans of English history and costume films.