The Duchess
The Duchess purports to tell the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and her husband William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire. And Georgiana’s lover, Charles Grey, who goes on to become Prime Minister of Britain. And The Duke’s lover, Bess Foster, who goes on to become his wife. His second wife. Confused? I know I am. Truth be told this is a profoundly odd movie. I’m not sure if that is a reflection of the historical material being dealt with here or as a result of the screenplay and performances.
Georgiana (Keira Knightley) becomes married to the Duke primarily to facilitate the creation of a male heir, something her mother stands to benefit financially from. The Duke himself (Ralph Fiennes) appears to be a misogynistic, self-centred bore of a human being. While Fiennes goes to great lengths to allude to possible reasons to explain the Duke’s personality quirks, the whole process becomes painfully laboured and contrived. The Duke comes across as two-dimensional and incredible. At times I wondered if his actions and behaviours had been exaggerated to create additional sympathy for Georgiana, the movie’s protagonist.
Perhaps it was just the strangeness of the arrangement between Knightley and Fiennes’ characters that made their performances seem so much larger-than-life. Hayley Atwell, who plays Bess Foster (the Duke’s lover), and Dominic Cooper, who plays Charles Grey (Georgiana’s lover), offer much more rounded and credible performances. Grey exists as a stark contrast to the Duke. He is passionate, idealistic and sensual. And sadly remarkably naive. It becomes apparent that what is good for the Duke is not also good for the Duchess. In a moment of confrontation the Duke reveals why he acts the way he does; simply, because he can.
It is interesting to draw parallels, thematically, between this movie staged in the 18th century and more recent history. The Duke and Duchess’ attempts for a male heir reminded me of China’s One Child Policy. Differences between social class, economic reality and opportunity were apparent throughout. There was a particularly amusing exchange between Georgiana and Sir Peter Teazle (Bruce Mackinnon), as Teazle explains how he is extending the right to vote to more people – but not to everyone!
Georgiana: I fail to comprehend how far we are fully committed to the concept of freedom.
Sir Peter Teazle: Freedom in moderation.
Georgiana: The concept of freedom is an absolute.
Mostly though the movie stands as a reminder of the dangers of catering to the expectations of society ahead of your own personal desires and ambitions. Although the Duke’s powers and freedoms seemed infinite compared to Georgiana’s, even he felt compelled to act in a manner expected of him. The marriage is a very uncomfortable facade and yet it must be maintained, not for the children, not for the participants, but for the benefit of The Duke’s constituency.
I saw this movie essentially because I wanted to watch something more thoughtful and thought provoking than Disaster Movie. Certainly it worked on that level. I couldn’t help but feel that this movie offered little insight or understanding of what it would’ve been like to exist in this period of history – and even less insight into the dynamics of this bizarre arrangement. Somehow – and for reasons that weren’t apparent to me – Georgiana makes peace with the arrangement. Yes, this is a very odd movie.
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