The Duchess (2008) As the late 18th century's Duchess of Devonshire — a fashionable, well-liked ancestor of Princess Diana — Keira Knightley brings passion and grace to this…
DVD Review

The Duchess (2008)

Reviewed by Lesley Savage | Dec 23, 2008
Keira Knightley, The Duchess | Big Hair Day Keira Knightley carries a heavy load in The Duchess
Image credit: Nick Wall
Big Hair Day Keira Knightley carries a heavy load in The Duchess
EW's GRADE
C

Details Release Date: Dec 27, 2008; DVD Release Date: Dec 27, 2008; Movie Rated: PG-13; With: Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightley; Distributor: Paramount Vantage

As the late 18th century's Duchess of Devonshire — a fashionable, well-liked ancestor of Princess Diana — Keira Knightley brings passion and grace to this otherwise flawed period piece. While her costumes are beautifully crafted, The Duchess fails to illustrate just why she was so beloved. The EXTRAS shed some light, but are dreadfully dry. If only the filmmakers had taken as much time to mold Knightley's character as they did her Bride of Frankenstein hair. C

Originally posted Dec 18, 2008 Published in issue #1029 Jan 09, 2009 Order article reprints