Jan 07 2009
The sad life of the Duchess of Devonshire
So, till now, most the films I’ve been reviewing are favorites of mine or one’s I’ve always wanted to see, and thus, for the most part, I’ve simply been gushing over them, with endless positive things to say. However, not all films quite float my boat, and in fact, I tend to be quite critical sometimes. Now that I’m back at school, hopefully I will have more regular access to a variety of films other than just my own choices, and have to deal with things I do and don’t like. Last night I watched “The Duchess”, starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, and sadly, was pretty disappointed.
I must start off by saying that I am a huge fan of period films. I have always loved history and studying ancient cultures. Pretty much all my favorite movies are epic costume dramas (whether it’s historical fiction or fantasy, etc). In fact, these are the very types of movies I would love to ultimately direct (unfortunately they don’t work well in college with a lack of budget…). Many people talk about loving or hating movies. I almost ever am at either of these extremes. I normally always find things I really like, but I also am very demanding and can feel very disappointed if the movie fails in some way.
Anyways, onto the movie. I remember when this came out a while ago, and thought it looked interesting (always have to see what the competition is for period films… aka, what I’ll have to top), but missed this one in the theaters.
“Based on a true story,” this film tells the story of Georgiana, her tragic marriage to the Duke of Devonshire, her social and romantic life, and all the scandals involved. However, I found this film to be very flat. From a technical standpoint it’s pretty solid: good cast and pretty decent acting, clearly a competent budget that shows on screen, etc. Yet I never was really able to connect much with the characters despite all the hardships they go through. The film just seemed to keep me at the edge, looking on all this tragedy, but I never really entered their lives. I admire that the film wasn’t just a gushing cliche Hollywood romance, and instead, tried to present the awkward, cold, formal, ceremonial, and pointlessly superficial life of the British elite of that time period. Many scenes in the movie captured this unique feel well (like the first utterly un-romanticized sex scene).
The film shows just how different these people were from us, and how they were bound by their cultural norms. I wish however that there was something to relate with to these characters. Fiennes’ Duke was completely heartless, not really trying to be a jerk, but with no real sense of compassion or connection to his wife at all. She responds with a life of superficial show: playing to the crowds, becoming an ancient form of star celebrity, wasting ridiculous amounts of money on ridiculous dresses and hairdos. She also carries on a rather stupid love affair with Grey, and although I can sympathize with her horrid life and lack of love, this still does in no way justify her rash actions and childish affections for this man.
Visually, the film was both impressive and flat. The film does look very beautiful, with gorgeous intricate costumes, and locations. However, the cinematography itself struck me as very plain. In my opinion, when the shots looks beautiful, it’s because of what’s actually being filmed, and not because of how it was photographed. Keira Knightley is one of the luckiest new stars in Hollywood today, and somehow managed to be in nearly every big period piece done in the last few years, I’m jealous.
Probably what I thought was the most impressive and successful aspect of this film was the music. Rachel Portman yet again gives us a lushly orchestrated, thematic score. It is beautiful and romantic and flowing, and is one of the few things that actually helps keep the movie from being swallowed up in it’s own dull universe.
Ultimately, I found this to be a well put-together movie, but one that failed to really engage me as a story and as art. It was very much a downer, and even though it ends on a somewhat positive note, the characters really don’t learn or improve much, but only learn to adapt to their abysmal surroundings. I must say, in this case, I almost would have seem cliche romance, at least that’s something I can enjoy…
