Simon Dillon reviews the film

An acquaintance of mine recently urged me not to see this film, on account of an irrational hatred they have for Keira Knightley. This person was the latest in a worryingly large group who hold such feelings, despising Knightley as though she had murdered their entire family. Although I must also admit there are certain actors and actresses that grind my gears, it is somewhat alarming that quite so many people seem to have a problem with this particular actress.

Frankly, I don't know what the fuss is about. Knightley is perfectly acceptable in her films (with the exception of the excruciatingly bad Pirates of the Caribbean sequels but that wasn't her fault). Her latest role in The Duchess, as Georgina, unhappy wife of the late eighteenth century Duke of Devonshire, is certainly one of her better efforts. She is ably supported by Ralph Fiennes' Duke, although he is little more than a one dimensional boorish cad. He is desperate for a male heir, but Georgina seems only able to conceive girls.

The Duke's open infidelity makes Georgina's life a misery, especially once he takes her best friend Bess as a mistress. Georgina turns to Whig prime minister in waiting Charles Gray for solace, and they fall in love. How factually based this all is, I don't know. It's based on a book by Amanda Holden which I've not read, but the characters were certainly real. Incidentally, brushing up on eighteenth century politics would help before watching, especially for those who don't know what a Whig is.

Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell provide decent support, director Saul Dibb keeps the film moving nicely, cinematographer Gyula Pados makes good use of widescreen space and Rachel Portman's music score compliments the drama well. Unfortunately, the screenplay, whilst never boring, fails to build to a sufficiently dramatic peak to warrant real recommendation. It also has rather tedious overtones of what happened with Princess Diana if you can be bothered to look, which I can't as it would diminish my sympathy for Georgina.

For a 12 certificate film, the sexual activity depicted herein is surprisingly explicit. Obviously, the subject matter warrants a certain amount, but other Christians may disagree. The film is also a somewhat depressing journey into misery with little mitigate the unhappiness experienced by the majority of its characters. On the other hand, fans of frocks and gorgeous locations will find much to praise. Most importantly, for better or worse it is Keira Knightley who dominates the film, which as far as I'm concerned is the film's saving grace.