happy_hangman Review of The Duchess of Malfi

The Duchess of Malfi (2014 TV Movie)

A Better Bosola would Be A Benefit

[7/10 · 15 March 2015]

A stylish production, using the physical limitations of that theatre's traditional staging to its advantage. It was, sadly, a little uneven. Arterton was good, but never seemed to fully let loose her emotions. James Garnon and David Dawson as her scheming brothers, on the other hand, were quite superb. Garnon, particularly, really understood Webster's dark comedy, and his character's roots in the formal Vice of the Morality Plays. Unfortunately the same could not be said of Sean Gilder as the scheming Bosola. Gilder is a capable actor, and gives a good scholarly reading of the part – but it's one which missed all but the most obvious gags and grotesque asides – which should throw the sudden spark of his conscience at the play's bloody end into sharp relief...but don't. He rushes (especially in the first half) over jokes and barbs which might all too easily have had the audience wincing and guffawing. A great shame, as a more subtle Bosola could have made this a truly excellent production. Arterton, it has to be said, has a great stage presence. She holds the eye – and not just because of her unquestionable beauty – in a way that she doesn't quite, on screen (where the camera is invariably distracted by her boobage before long). A good performance, and one which certainly makes her worth watching out for in future theatre work. I'd be interested in seeing if she might really let go in a less stylised, formal production.