THE DUCHESS
Historical drama. 2008. 106 min. With Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes and Charlotte Rampling. Director: Saul Dibb. 13S.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Alfie Steyn
It’s the late 18th century when Georgiana Spencer (forebear of Princess Diana) weds the Duke of Devonshire. Although it’s considered a good match the marriage is loveless and cruel, particularly after her years-long failure to produce a male heir. Her husband all but ignores her and indulges in many infidelities, including with her best friend.
The public adores Georgiana though and she makes headlines for her political activities and flamboyant fashions (the costumes are great). She’s particularly vocal in her support for idealistic young politician Charles Grey who has been in love with her for years.
The duke’s longed-for son is finally born but this fails to improve the marriage - or have his lover removed from their home. Defiantly Georgiana turns to Charles for love. But her happiness is short-lived as she is forced to make a heartbreaking choice.
The acting is brilliant: the lovely Knightley gives Georgiana depth and sweeps you up in her emotions; and Fiennes is appropriately hateful in his role as the duke. An engrossing film.
WILD WEATHER
Documentary. 2008. 231 min. Presented by Donal MacIntyre. A.
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Murphy Malone
Award-winning investigative journalist MacIntyre anchors a white-knuckle extreme experience to find the worst weather on our planet - including the hottest place: the Sahara desert with a highest recorded temperature of 56 deg C; and the windiest: Mount Washington, US, with the highest recorded wind speed of 325 km/h.
He experiences many of these extremes in simulated conditions - a hurricane in a wind tunnel, extreme cold in a lab where his heart rate and body core temperature are measured. This double-disc doccie divided into Wet, Heat, Cold and Wind is a must-see. Mercifully it’s not too preachy about global warming. Special features: interview with MacIntyre; biography.
