Written by Pollo Misterioso
The Duchess is a movie about women. In fact, it is a movie about 18th century English women. But in no way is this movie specifically for women, although one might think differently. Based on a true story, The Duchess is an intriguing insight into what women of the time had to do to attain high stature, yet which afforded them no power.
Based on the true story of the Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer, and her time with the Duke of Devonshire, the screenplay comes from the book Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire written by Amanda Foreman. Most of the information that makes up the book comes from the letters that Georgiana wrote to her best friend Bess, who later became the Duchess of Devonshire herself, and to her mother.
Keira Knightley plays the lovely Georgiana, who at sixteen marries the Duke, played by Ralph Fiennes. We are given a glimpse of the playful and charismatic side of her in the beginning of the film, but with her marriage engagement comes the responsibility and duty of a duchess—to provide a male heir.
Historically Georgiana was known for her political influence with the Whig Party and her colorful fashion sense, influencing the way women dressed and becoming a well-known celebrity. The beautiful costumes in the film make this film worth watching. With wig and dress changes in almost every scene, the Duchess’ wardrobe is overwhelmingly impressive. Again, by mere dress, it becomes easy to see her influence and stature in her society.
Not everything is as easy as it seems for Georgiana. In a struggle to give her husband a male heir, she gives birth to two daughters and takes in another daughter that is the Duke’s from another mistress. She learns quickly the ways of infidelity and when she brings Bess to live with them, Bess begins an affair with the Duke in order to get custody of her children. Fiennes is callous and cold as the Duke, but presents a man that personally lives a life of structure and rules; all of which Georgiana fail to accomplish.
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