Georgina, Duchess of Devonshire: Glamour, Sex, Politics And Fashion Coming Soon To A Screen Near You!

I haven't been this excited about an upcoming movie release since Glen Close and John Malkovitch titillated audiences in Dangerous Liaisons. I'm an absolute sucker for period pieces as it combines my love of history with my obsession with fashion. Like-minded obsessive-compulsive fashion followers are in for a treat with the upcoming release of The Duchess featuring Keira Knightly as Lady Georgina Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, an early feminist and political activist who mastered the art of fashion as a tool for furthering her social and political agendas. As far as historical figures go, it's difficult to find a more fascinating subject than Georgina. A contemporary (and friend) of French Queen Marie Antoinette, she sought a role beyond that of wife and mother at a time when wellborn women were confined to tea, gossip and embroidery and expected to do little else than marry well and breed offspring. She seized the opportunities conferred by her birth and her subsequent marriage to break free from conventions and engage in intellectual debate and political maneuvering in her own right. In the process, she became an influential trendsetter pioneering both new ideas about the role of women in society and new fashions. The movie is loosely based on the biography of Georgina penned by Amanda Foreman. The movie will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival with worldwide release to follow on September 19. For a taste of things to come, I invite you to view the movie trailer. Enjoy!

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[shymelite]

I too have just finished looking at the movie, I thought Keira Knightly acting was just exquisite and the story was very moving. Its disturbing to think that this is a true story and it shows how much women have to put up with, in the past, presently and in the future it will be no different. I must comment that the make up was amazing. Whoever was the make up artist kudos to you. I thought too, that the actor who played the duke, played his part well. (in my opinion). I cannot say the story was beautiful ... personal unhappiness should be frowned upon but the writers and actors did a good job in bringing the script to life. Simply Excellent.

[Jade]

I just finished watching "The Duchess" movie, starring Kiera Knightly and was very impressed with the movie costumes....quite sad story, reminds me of Princess Diana and how lonely their lives have been. I am looking forward to reading the book :-)

[Sierra]

I actually, just finished watching the movie, after waiting forever to see it. sad, it wasnt shown in any theatre near me.
I thought it was beautiful. Should win something for the costumes, absolutely amazing. I'm one for historical films from that era. I was a big fan of marie antoinette too. I've read the biography, and I'm happy to say the movie stayed very true to her life. Although, I wish it could have been a little more in depth....especially about Charles Grey... oh well :] im all in all very pleased. I love knihtly in this. She is so beautiful! I believe she does well with that era as well lol. I think its funny how she got to act at Chatsworth twice, once here and once with Pride and Predjudice. I bet she thought it was cool :]
amazing...
:]

[Helene]

I'm not aware of any - Sorry pixie.

Helene

[pixie]

I was wondering if you knew of any other film portrayals of georgina? I'm familiar with the literary works; it's just always nice to see it on the screen as well; despite the usual distortion (you have to take it for what it's worth).
I'm aware she's portrayed by mary clar in Mrs Fitzherbert; and I've been trying to find a copy of the divine lady- but do you know of any others?
thanks

[Helene]

Thank you for your comment Vera. Films based on historical figures such as Georgina Spencer are bound to disappoint - she was far too nuanced a figure to bring to life accurately in a motion picture. If you want to get a sense of her importance and influence, I encourage you to read Amanda Foreman's biography upon which the movie is based: Georgina: Duchess of Devonshire (Harper Collins, 1998). It's very detailed and Foreman does a brilliant job of explaining the complicated social and political circumstances of Georgina's circle but more importantly, she lays out very clearly Georgina's contribution to the politics of her day.

For what its worth, while much of the attention paid to her during her lifetime did in fact relate to her lavish wardrobe and ostentatious style, she was very clever at diverting that attention to her political causes namely the Whig party's efforts to curb the rampant abuses of the monarchy and attempts to broker peace with Irish separatists. By the way, Charles Grey benefitted enormously from his association with Georgina and to some extent, owes his political career to her. Even after their affair was over, her friendship, support and counsel (not to mention her social position) paved the way for him.

Helene

[Vera Fusek]

film was disappointing, mainly because the two main characters displayed pouting rather than persuasive conflict in their minds.....difficult to convey, and I know that from my own experiance, but still, a pity. As the movie otherwise was historically important, well researched and seemed to be true to its period, and otherwise quite informative.
Pity, I could not find the importance of Georgina displayed in the Britannica - but the importance must have been there, since Charles Grey conceived a great affection for human relationships and went on to have a happy family with l5 or l6 children together with his influence on British politics. The movie should have been about HIM - but he was not as well dressed or so well connected.

[Linda]

Saw the movie today..Thought it was wonderful!!!!

[Helene]

We can always compare notes afterwards. Or, better yet, we can write a joint post. We couldn`t possibly let a few time zones and an ocean come between a meeting of such fashionable minds!

Helene

[Ms. P&C]

Yes! I too have been waiting with baited breath for this one... Although Keira Knightly annoys me most of the time, I am looking forward to seeing the costumes, etc. Wish we could go together!