Bess was clearly a very manipulative person. And, all forms of the story reveal that. Though, the writing in the movie, and the portrayal by Hayley Atwell allow for much empathy towards Bess.
Georgiana’s mother, Lady Spencer
Book:A+, many details of her hypocrisy and greed. Though, redeemed in later years.
Movie: A+, In many ways, the mother is the villain of the movie The Duchess.
DVD:A, Not many strong comments on Lady Spencer in the addendums
Patriarchal society as the villain:
Book:A+
Movie:A
DVD:A
On the DVD, off set and out of character, is where everyone had a wonderful chance to say the word “feminism”, and it is a little disappointing that nobody does.
Potrayed Georgiana as the powerful and influential political figure that she was:
Book:A+
Movie:B+
DVD:A
Of course, one would expect that the book would have far more chance for detail than the movie. And, the movie does include the politics, and does allude to Georgiana's power and influence. Though, the focus of the movie is clearly on her personal life. The DVD uses the chance to insert more praise for Georgiana as a political being. I felt it was remiss that neither the movie nor the DVD refered to Georgiana's relationship (almost definitely friendship and not intimate) to the then Prince of Wales. And, I wonder if that was a decision based on modern politicals.
Paid enough tribute to the brilliance of Georgiana, the woman whose spirit inspired the story:
Book:A+
Movie:A, (Because some of the other characters competed for attention, which may not be be such a bad thing.)
DVD:A+
The ending is enjoyable and brings resolution:
Book:A+, (We get to hear what happens to all the children of all the characters.)
Movie:A-, (Because the focus is only one chapter of their lives, so the ending is partially a sweep of symbolism and some footnotes.)
DVD:B+, (Rating given because it leaves one wanting more, more, more historical context. Though, again, what is given is edifying and worth seeking out the DVD for.
Overall Rating:
Book:A+, Five Stars. Must read.
Movie:A+, Five Stars. Must see. Though, not for the reasons you may expect.
DVD:A, Four and a half stars. Must own. And, then seek out even more
Georgiana material.
-----------------------------------
This article was written by Kimberly Wilder. Ms. Wilder has created a new blog to celebrate Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire, and to open up a place for women to reflect on Georgiana and other women in history. The blog, titled "Georgiana Circle: Women Healing History", uses the word "feminism." www.georgianacircle.wordpress.com
Georgiana’s mother, Lady Spencer
Book:A+, many details of her hypocrisy and greed. Though, redeemed in later years.
Movie: A+, In many ways, the mother is the villain of the movie The Duchess.
DVD:A, Not many strong comments on Lady Spencer in the addendums
Patriarchal society as the villain:
Movie:A
DVD:A
On the DVD, off set and out of character, is where everyone had a wonderful chance to say the word “feminism”, and it is a little disappointing that nobody does.
Potrayed Georgiana as the powerful and influential political figure that she was:
Book:A+
Movie:B+
DVD:A
Of course, one would expect that the book would have far more chance for detail than the movie. And, the movie does include the politics, and does allude to Georgiana's power and influence. Though, the focus of the movie is clearly on her personal life. The DVD uses the chance to insert more praise for Georgiana as a political being. I felt it was remiss that neither the movie nor the DVD refered to Georgiana's relationship (almost definitely friendship and not intimate) to the then Prince of Wales. And, I wonder if that was a decision based on modern politicals.
Paid enough tribute to the brilliance of Georgiana, the woman whose spirit inspired the story:
Book:A+
Movie:A, (Because some of the other characters competed for attention, which may not be be such a bad thing.)
DVD:A+
The ending is enjoyable and brings resolution:
Book:A+, (We get to hear what happens to all the children of all the characters.)
Movie:A-, (Because the focus is only one chapter of their lives, so the ending is partially a sweep of symbolism and some footnotes.)
DVD:B+, (Rating given because it leaves one wanting more, more, more historical context. Though, again, what is given is edifying and worth seeking out the DVD for.
Overall Rating:
Book:A+, Five Stars. Must read.
Movie:A+, Five Stars. Must see. Though, not for the reasons you may expect.
DVD:A, Four and a half stars. Must own. And, then seek out even more
Georgiana material.
-----------------------------------
This article was written by Kimberly Wilder. Ms. Wilder has created a new blog to celebrate Georgiana the Duchess of Devonshire, and to open up a place for women to reflect on Georgiana and other women in history. The blog, titled "Georgiana Circle: Women Healing History", uses the word "feminism." www.georgianacircle.wordpress.com
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