Film Review: The Duchess with Keira Knightley
Based on Amanda Foreman's biography, Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire
Nov 5, 2008
The Duchess is based on the award-winning biography, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, by Amanda Foreman.
It contains all the ingredients for a great blockbuster—love, sex, politics, scandals, wealth, fashion, betrayal and an extraordinary woman who rose above her circumstances during the 18th Century.
Georgiana Spencer (Kiera Knightley) was married at seventeen to the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes) in 1774. He was more interested in hunting, rifles and his dogs. He had no interest in London life and society.
However, Georgiana was bound by rigid social rules and extraordinary aristocratic power. Maintaining public appearances was so important that personal feelings were put aside.
It was considered deeply unfashionable for a husband and wife to be seen too much in each other’s company. However, they did attend parties together occasionally.
Georgiana was a sought-after guest at numerous social events including promenades in the park, card parties, assemblies and balls. She accepted numerous invitations.
The Duchess shows a glimpse of life in 18th Century aristocratic circles—the extravagance, lavish clothes and gambling. However, Georgiana became a political activist for the Whig Party. She used her ability to draw attention to advantage for the cause.
The movie does not mention Georgiana’s sister, Harriet, who joined her in her gambling and politicking. The sisters were extremely close, despite their mother’s disapproval of their lives with the fast set.
Lady Spencer (Charlotte Rrampling) insists Georgiana gives up politics and concentrate on producing the much desired heir.
The Duke demands loyalty and a son from Georgiana, as if this is his divine right.
However, it is so one-sided. He “doesn’t make deals” with his wife. He makes a mockery of his marriage vows by conducting affairs with other women.
Georgiana invited her friend Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster (Hayley Atwell) to live with them as the latter had nowhere to go. She feels betrayed when Bess became the Duke’s mistress. Bess remains under Georgiana’s roof despite her protests.
Yet double standards exist when the Duke forces Georgiana to give up her lover, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper), to avoid scandal. Women were expected to tolerate their husband’s affairs.
Many comparisons were made between Georgiana and the late Princess Diana.
Georgiana is one of Diana’s ancestors. Both lived at Althorpe, entered loveless marriages only to become part of a love-triangle, and sought love elsewhere. Both were adored (except by their husbands), fashion icons and subject to media attention.
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