"The Duchess" is a very good film which probably has not gotten the recognition that it deserves. The cinematography is wonderful, the costumes grand, and the acting top notch. Knightley gives one of her best performances and is well cast, and all of the other actors are great as well. This film is more of a psychological drama between spouses and those around them, so there is not a lot of overt action or business in the plot but that is ok. This is about the inner life of a wealthy couple and how it's not always great. Those on the outside sometimes look on with envy, but the reality is often more grim. Georgina is trapped by a bad husband and a societal structure that gives her few options, but I think that it is also important for the audience to remember her "suffering" pales in comparison to what many in the world go through. After all she has food, clothing, money, housing, family, servants, etc. There seem to be many of these historical dramas which seek to show the bondage that even the upper-classes face, especially women. But strictures bind everyone to a degree and again a proper perspective should be maintained. The weak point of this film is that it is a sad story, with the husband so unlikeable, but it still made for a good drama or soap. I rate it a 9/10.
Review of The Duchess
