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The Duchess
2008 110 min Italy, United Kingdom, France PG-13 18+
★7.5
Drama, History, Romance
Director: Saul Dibb
Trailers
Description
A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.
Budget:
$17.76M
US Gross:
$13.85M
Worldwide:
$43.31M
Starring
Keira Knightley
Actor
Ralph Fiennes
Actor
Dominic Cooper
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 2009
— Best Costume Design
Academy Awards 2009
— Best Production Design
BAFTA 2009
— Best Costume Design
BAFTA 2009
— Best Makeup and Hairstyling
European Film Awards 2009
— Audience Award
Key opinion
The Duchess is widely praised for its lush visual presentation, authentic production design, and the nuanced, emotionally resonant performances of its lead actors. However, the film receives mixed reactions regarding its screenplay, with some viewers valuing its atmospheric, slow-burn exploration of 18th-century female subjugation, while others criticize its historical inaccuracies and lack of narrative depth.
| Production | The production design and period costumes are universally lauded for their beauty and ability to evoke the lavish, restrictive atmosphere of the 18th century. | |
| Acting | Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes anchor the film with nuanced, understated performances that effectively convey deep emotional tragedy through subtext. | |
| Score | The score effectively establishes an atmospheric, contemplative mood that enhances the film's intimate, often melancholic tone. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed by some as a compelling, thought-provoking critique of patriarchal oppression, while others dismiss it as hollow, inaccurate, and lacking the complexity of the actual historical figure. | |
| Pacing | The film's slow, contemplative pacing is appreciated by those who favor intimate character study, but is perceived as tedious and lacking payoff by those looking for a more narrative-driven historical drama. |