Keira Knightley breathes life into Georgiana Cavenaish, The Duchess of Devonshire in "The Duchess," directed by Saul Dibb, just as author Amanda Foreman did in the original biography "Georgiana: The Duchess of Devonshire."
The film rights were sold after the book hit the best-seller lists in 1999, but Foreman, passionate about her subject, agreed to be an on-set historical adviser after several script revisions, serving as a liaison between the historical truth and the dramatic truth. She did it to preserve Georgiana's integrity and to ensure that the duchess' voice would not be misrepresented - a voice she had come to know and love by reading the letters that Georgiana left behind.
Foreman calls the film an emotional journey compared to her literary journey. This is what Dibb accomplishes in the film as he focuses on the intense relationships surrounding the duchess to bring the story to life.
The film is a modern take on a historical marvel. The life of Duchess Georgiana begins with her life-changing marriage at the age of 17 to the fifth Duke of Devonshire, played by Ralph Fiennes. His Grace, as the duke is referred to, is believed to be the only one in Devonshire not in love with his wife. As the story unfolds, major influences from society, power, sex, scandals, betrayal and politics change the lives of four main characters, each in love with someone forbidden to them. At the core is a strong woman who rises above it all and discovers romantic love with the idealistic politician, Charles Gray (Dominic Cooper), even though she risks losing everything by having this affair.
Knightley radiates as Georgiana, exposing her character's heartbeat and vivacious spirit in every scene. "The Duchess" is very much about the contemporary woman bound by the traditions of her time. Although she could not vote, Georgiana could always be found in the midst of politics, and was a devoted supporter of the Whig party. Knightley reveals Georgiana's complexity through her portrayal of the inner struggles and qualities that made this historical duchess fascinating.
A fashion icon and trendsetter, Georgiana didn't need Fashion Week to debut her famous towering hairpiece, which she wore to the Bath Ball. The wig was created for the film by researching historical artifacts and through the imagination of set hair designer Jan Archibald. Here's a little trivia: Georgiana was one of the first to make feathers fashionable. Fiennes grasps the humanity and loneliness of the complicated Duke of Devonshire who, without any letters of his own left behind, is often perceived as merciless. However, according to Foreman, Georgiana admired him until her death. The intimate moments between them are captured gracefully through Dibb's vivid cinematography.
Rich costumes and elaborate wigs define the characters and intensify their portrayal rather than overshadow the screen. Costume designer Michael O'Connor worked closely with actors to ensure the accuracy of the era was preserved. In the opening scene, which focuses on the train of Georgiana's dress as she sweeps across the vast lawn, shows the lavishness of O'Connor's work. More than 30 gowns were created for Knightley that accented her character subtly. Costumes were divided into three periods to portray Georgiana's fragile youth, adoration as the new duchess and her survival through entrapment.
While there are many comparisons made to Georgiana and Princess Diana, recent findings show a line of descent uniting Georgiana with the Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and her daughters, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
"The Duchess" is now playing in theaters everywhere.
Film: The Duchess Directed by: Saul Dibb Distributed by: Paramount Vantage Grade: A
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