Keira Knightley's latest big screen role as the 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, the Duchess of Devoshire proves that the actress' superb performance in last year's Atonement wasn't just a flash in the pan.
Hailed by many critics as an early oscar contender The Duchess is a beautifully filmed period drama featuring wonderful sets and elaborate costumes and tells the story of an 18th century Duchess who was famous for her extravagant political and personal life.
After agreeing to marry the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes ) the Duchess (Keira Knightley ) is quickly made aware of her role in the marriage; that is to provide a son and heir.
Despite giving birth to two daughters and eventually a son, the marriage was not a happy one, a situation not helped by the fact that her best friend, Lady Bess Foster became her husband's live-in mistress for twenty five years.
Clearly enjoying wearing eccentric costumes, tight bodices and combustible wigs Knightley was the perfect choice to play the role of the unhappy Duchess trapped in a loveless marriage with a man who loved his dogs more than his wife and children.
The young actress brilliantly depicts Georgiana's torment at being trapped in the most unusual marriage and ultimately been forbidden to be with the man she was in love with, Charles Grey and future Prime Minister of Great Britain.
And even though the society at the time was well aware of the Duke's arrangement with his wife and live-in mistress it was Georgiana's affair with the politician and the birth of a daughter as a result, which caused the most scandal at the time.
Ralph Fiennes deserves much praise for his portrayal of the stringent Duke, so much so that in another life he may very well have been a Duke, while Charlottte Rampling is also impressive as Georgiana's straight talking mother Lady Spencer.
Ironically Georgiana's personal life drew many parrallels with that of Princess Diane, whose family, The Spencers were descendant's of the Duchess' family.
What is most intriguing about the film and story, is the very fact that it is largely true and you can't help but feel sorry for the Duchess who led a most unhappy life.
Overall The Duchess is a very entertaining movie and fans of Knightley will be relieved to see that she is not just a pretty face and can actually act aswell.
