Yesterday, Sandra and I did something we very rarely do. We went on an impromptu trip to a not so local shopping center (Mall). Sandra spotted a really good special on a DS game she's wanted for a while and after doing the sums about petrol costs to get to the store Vs buying it online and paying postage, we decided we'd go get it and also do a couple of other things whilst down there. I wanted to see The Duchess and also needed to visit an ATM to activate my new debit card, so having filled our "At least three reasons" criteria, we set off.

Sandra got her game, and we had lunch and then I went to see the movie while Sandra went back to the car which was parked in a shady spot, to read/study/play DS games. (no prizes for guessing which she actually did).

The Duchess:

The Blurb:

A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who reviled for her extravagant political and personal lives. She is a vibrant beauty and celebrity of her time. But she is trapped in an unhappy triangle with her husband and his live-in mistress. She falls passionately in love with an ambitious young politician, and the affair causes a bitter conflict with her husband and threatens to erupt into a scandal.
From IMDB

The Cast:

Keira Knightley (Georgiana) was only mediocre in this. She just doesn't seem to be able to get her head around the part, or something. She tried to play it all bold and courageous but her performance felt forced and rather one dimensional.

Ralph Fiennes The Duke of Devonshire (Georgiana's husband) Brilliant as he always is. He plays the bad guy very well, and managed to play it with a sympathetic touch that made me try hard not to hate him. He tends to bring this subtext to the villains he plays and I always enjoy it. It keeps it a bit believable, and makes you remember that there is good and bad in all of us, and we're all quite capable of being utter twats when something is important to us.

Charlotte Rampling (Lady Spencer, Georgiana's mother) Loved her in this. She played the scheming mama with aplomb. She is a lovely actress and fits these period pieces to a T.

Dominic Cooper (Charles Grey) One word. gorgeous! I must admit, I didn't notice how well he played the part because I was too occupied in checking him out. He certainly carried the fashion of the day well. *grin*

Hayley Atwell (Bess Foster, the other woman) This was a complex part to play, and she put in a good performance. Playing the other woman who first cuckold's the duke by showing Georgiana how good sex can be, and then cuckolds the Duchess by becoming the duke's mistress. She walked a tough line in this role and walked it very well.

Good perfomances were also given by Simon McBurney (Charles Fox) and Aidan McArdle (Richard Brinsley Sheridan). These were the men who inspired G's interest in politics and encouraged her support of the Whigs. Consummate politicians who reflect the current political trend in some places of using a 'popular' woman to boost interest in their political party.

The Story:

( Cut for Spoilers )

GLBT Interest:

One small, understated lesbian sex scene, which is not truly lesbian, given the fact that Bess encourages G to fantasize about Grey while she does the deed.

One cameo appearance by a "Macaroni" character. Very short and not highlighted, but the actor, Justin Edwards, is listed as The Macaroni in the credits.

My rating:
If I had not had a prepaid ticket for this, I would have possibly been annoyed at spending the money for something that might be best rented for a couple of bucks when it comes out on DVD.

Score:

*** / *****

Saving Points:

There was an elderly couple sitting next to me in the cinema who had some delightfully amusing commentary going on between them. I would normally be annoyed by such things, but they actually added to the experience.

 

I've just received an email from Kimberly at Coffee Time Romance that my book The Heart Divided was reviewed by her. It's a lovely review and Kimberly told me in her email how much she loved my heroine.

A preview:

This book surprised me at every turn. The author takes the reader on an adventure that leads through the Australian bush and into the hearts of two people who are very much in love.

Read the whole Review

Kimberly's Personal Comment:

Just a quick note to let you everyone know, if you'd been wanting an ebook copy of my novel The Heart Divided, there is a sale on at fictionwise.com at present. Until October 5 you can buy my book for $4.46 instead of the usual cover price of $5.95.

For those who prefer a print copy they can be bought at amazon