Do I think that happened? The word feminist is never used in the DVD. Though, there are so many feminist ideas, and such a defense of Georgiana’s struggle as a woman in a patriarchal society, that a feminist could feel inspired and appeased. One of the voice-overs says, “She finds a way to...regain some kind of power in a time when really, women had very little.” In addition, the comments of Historical Advisor Hannah Grieg provide interesting and meaty commentary on the politics of the story, and Georgiana’s importance as a political figure.
In the biography, Amanda Foreman explains the feminist issue and the struggle of women more thoroughly. The book speaks about how the expectations of society, and patriarchal religious thinking stifled, or at least haunted, Georgiana. My impression is that Amanda Foreman herself is not a classical feminist. Yet, Ms. Foreman’s careful and detailed telling of Georgiana’s story reveals the struggle of women in the 18th century.
The movie "The Duchess" is to be commended for bringing to life such a worthwhile subject, and for doing so with the framework of such an excellent piece of literature. The movie does an excellent job of bringing one of the most compelling plot lines of the book to life. And, the DVD adds a few more layers of history and perspective to the mix. It is definitely worth owning and exploring.
My very personal ratings:
Caused me to feel as if I know Georgiana (née Lady Georgiana Spencer) the Duchess of Devonshire:
Book:A+
Movie:A-
DVD:A
Caused me to feel as if I know William Cavendish, the fifth duke of Devonshire:
Book:A-
Movie:A+
DVD:A
Somehow Ralph Fiennes’s comments on the DVD sent me tumbling backwards in my understanding of the Duke, or maybe in my understanding that Fiennes’ understands the Duke in the same way I do.
Caused me to feel as if I understand Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster and her motivations:
Book:A+
Movie:A
DVD:A
Felt as if I had a chance to growl at the following bad guys:
The Duke
Book:Many chances to growl at him.
Movie:Many chances to growl at him, but also times for empathy
DVD:See below
In the book, it is easier to dislike the Duke, because you experience the chronological order of his philandering. Also, his family is revealed as another dark character exploiting Georgiana. Still, there are times in the book when you see how needy he is for love. The movie presents such a vibrant, believable, and sympathetic portrayal, the viewer is able to relate to the Duke almost fondly. Though, there are scenes where his actions are appalling. The DVD is interesting in allowing Ralph Fiennes to describe his performance and motivation. Though, in some ways, Fiennes’ words only add to the mystery.
Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster
Book:A+, Bess is absolutely exposed in her letters and actions
Movie:Some chances to growl at her, but many moments of empathy
DVD:More chances to growl, again.
In the biography, Amanda Foreman explains the feminist issue and the struggle of women more thoroughly. The book speaks about how the expectations of society, and patriarchal religious thinking stifled, or at least haunted, Georgiana. My impression is that Amanda Foreman herself is not a classical feminist. Yet, Ms. Foreman’s careful and detailed telling of Georgiana’s story reveals the struggle of women in the 18th century.
The movie "The Duchess" is to be commended for bringing to life such a worthwhile subject, and for doing so with the framework of such an excellent piece of literature. The movie does an excellent job of bringing one of the most compelling plot lines of the book to life. And, the DVD adds a few more layers of history and perspective to the mix. It is definitely worth owning and exploring.
My very personal ratings:
Caused me to feel as if I know Georgiana (née Lady Georgiana Spencer) the Duchess of Devonshire:
Movie:A-
DVD:A
Caused me to feel as if I know William Cavendish, the fifth duke of Devonshire:
Book:A-
Movie:A+
DVD:A
Somehow Ralph Fiennes’s comments on the DVD sent me tumbling backwards in my understanding of the Duke, or maybe in my understanding that Fiennes’ understands the Duke in the same way I do.
Caused me to feel as if I understand Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster and her motivations:
Book:A+
Movie:A
DVD:A
Felt as if I had a chance to growl at the following bad guys:
The Duke
Book:Many chances to growl at him.
Movie:Many chances to growl at him, but also times for empathy
DVD:See below
In the book, it is easier to dislike the Duke, because you experience the chronological order of his philandering. Also, his family is revealed as another dark character exploiting Georgiana. Still, there are times in the book when you see how needy he is for love. The movie presents such a vibrant, believable, and sympathetic portrayal, the viewer is able to relate to the Duke almost fondly. Though, there are scenes where his actions are appalling. The DVD is interesting in allowing Ralph Fiennes to describe his performance and motivation. Though, in some ways, Fiennes’ words only add to the mystery.
Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster
Book:A+, Bess is absolutely exposed in her letters and actions
Movie:Some chances to growl at her, but many moments of empathy
DVD:More chances to growl, again.
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