The Duchess (2008): Keira Knightley as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
The Duchess
Brief Review by Travis Simpkins
Directed by Saul Dibb, based on the book by Amanda Foreman, The Duchess (2008) takes a cinematic look at the life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. Wed to an adulterous husband at a young age, and forced to live in a manage-a-trois, Georgiana soon proved to have her own identity as an outspoken 18th Century fashion icon and extravagant sex symbol. It was partly this flirtatious obsession and appeal that translated to the famous theft of Thomas Gainsborough's portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire a century later by the notorious "Napoleon of Crime" Adam Worth. Worth fell in love with Georgiana's portrait and kept it under his bed for 25 years. The film's lavish attention to period detail, sets and costume design is admirable. Keira Knightley is beautiful as Georgiana Spencer (Cavendish), Duchess of Devonshire. Ralph Fiennes is cold as the Duke. The supporting cast is good as well, including Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell.
