The Duchess

[Lazy Boy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/2674975837_8d052f3fb4.jpg?v=0

Directed by Saul Dibb

Written by Jeffrey Hatcher, Anders Thomas Jensen and Saul Dibb

Genre: Drama/History

Tagline: Based on the Incredible True Story

Plot: A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material.

Running time: 110 minutes

I'm not sure about this one, but I'm a sucker for gossipy, period piece dramas, so I'll probably catch it eventually. Early word makes the film seem dull, but passable.

[Powerslave]

Not at all excited about it. Period dramas are always pretty dull to me, and I never have any real desire to see them unless there's some substantial buzz on it. And the trailer was pretty instantly forgettable. So unless it becomes a major awards contender or something, I'll probably pass.

[Tayzlor]

Just who is funding these yearly period dramas? One of these things hasn't performed at the award shows since "Shakespeare in Love".

Anyways, Keira Knightly gets me all aflutter, so, sigh, this is in active competition for my money. Keira's agent should know that her now-niche is adaptations of famous books.

I was getting ready to dog on Ralph Fiennes for always doing costume dramas before I actually looked at his filmography.

Holy shit, imdb is full of information today, Cate Blanchett was nominated for Elizabeth 2, I totally forgot that and am now worse off

[Moviefan1234]

THE DUCHESS looks absolutely amazing. I've been waiting for it, and I can't wait to see it. Keira Knightley is quickly being a very consistent and dependable actress. I wonder if this will get her another Oscar nomination?

[truth_be_told]

It's actually quite good. I caught the premiere at TIFF on Sunday, and I was surprised over how much I enjoyed the film (I'm not one for period pieces, either). Direction-wise, Dibbs has created a very smooth and interesting film. There weren't any moments when I questioned the time or just how much longer the story would continue for (Marie Antoinette, I'm looking at you...), and the costume design is visually appealing.

As for the acting, everyone does a fine job. Fiennes is a master of subtlety, while Hayley Atwell and Dominic Cooper do well in their supporting roles. The movie, of course, belongs to Keira Knightley. I expected a good performance from her, much like last year with Atonement, but she actually is incredible in the role. Look forward to seeing it again.

[Strider]

I'm not a huge fan of period piece dramas, but I enjoy watching one every once in awhile, and The Duchess looks like a good one. I'll check it out.

Strider

[ilovemovies]

I think it looks excellent and I really love Keira Knightley.

[Superplasmatron]

I would like to watch this.

[Cosimo]

Rated PG-13 for sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material.



uh oh's!

[Tweek]

haha I didn't notice the "thematic material" bit.

:D

[Mr. Fred Krueger]

My girlfriend wanted to see this, so I took her. Now, period pieces really aren't my thing. For the most part I find them dull and not entertaining. Of course, that's my viewpoint on history from about the time that The Duchess takes place.

But The Duchess was different. I was enthralled by the story, which offers great performances from Knightley and Feinnes. It was a nice piece about the strength of a woman who inspired a nation and who had to sacrifice so much.

9/10

[ilovemovies]

Wow it really sucked to be Knightley's character in this. What a horrible life she had.


I was incredibly disappointed in this movie. It's a gorgeous looking movie. No doubt about that. Wonderful cinematography and a gorgeous production design. And Keira Knightley gives a fine performance. But I found the movie to be incredibly dull for the most part. There are a few moments that were powerful and emotional. There is a very sexy scene involving Knightley and a new friend she meets. But it was very dull. Not to mention it all felt kind of daytime soap opera-ish at times. Also, Ralph Fiennes's character is such an asshole that he made me laugh a few times. Not sure if that's good thing or not. At times the movie felt a little too restraint. Although Knightley has pretty good chemistry with Dominic Cooper. But overall, it's a very dull I thought. It didn't really have much of an impact on me. It some ways too it reminded me of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette from a couple of years ago. It's a well made and well acted but boring movie. At least Jason Schwartzman wasn't nearly as evil as Fiennes was in this.

6/10