Ralph Fiennes, out of costume
Painting of the 5th Duke of Devonshire
As a devoted fan of the real Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and as someone who enjoyed the movie “The Duchess” very much, I have definite opinions on all of the characters, and on the portrayals in the movie.
I decided that I am still a little frustrated that Ralph Fiennes portrayed William, the fifth Duke of Devonshire, in such a sympathetic light. Though, in thinking about it, at least Fiennes showed the flaws in the Duke’s character, and did not do what would have been tragic – make the Duke seem charming or especially sexually appealing, after all the Duke’s womanizing and emotional abuse of his wife.
It is also disappointing that the portrayal of the Duke is up for so many awards, when it is Georgiana who should have been (and was in some measure) “a light burning at the center of the film”, as commentary on the DVD edition notes. Perhaps because I had read the book by Amanda Foreman, I still saw Georgiana’s light as the center of the film. Indeed, the story would probably have not been told if it were not for her flair, her fame and her fashion sense. And, contrary to some critics, I believe that Keira Knightley’s portrayal of Georgiana was wonderful. Knightley was able to portray the character and emotions in the range of an innocent young bride of 17-years-old, to an aristocratic woman having a passionate affair, to a mother and wife who has come to terms with her place in life.
Still, kudos must go to Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes has also appeared in films including “The English Patient” and “Harry Potter” (where he portrayed Lord Voldemort.) Fiennes’ performance as the Duke of Devonshire was original and compelling. Tonight, Sunday, January 11, 2009, are the Golden Globe Awards. Fiennes is nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Many English publications are ecstatic that so many English actors and film-makers, including Fiennes, are up for awards this evening. The competition for Ralph Fiennes’s category is stiff. The most likely scenario appears to be a posthumous award being given to Heath Ledger for his portrayal of the Joker in “Dark Night.”
I wish Ralph Fiennes good luck (or is that, break a leg?). His nomination and appearance tonight should motivate people to watch the very profound and moving film “The Duchess”, which is now in theaters mostly overseas and on DVD in the United States. And, if Fiennes is able to win, there may be a swell of interest in “The Duchess” and the woman behind the character — Lady Georgiana Spencer who later became Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, a devoted mother, a fashion icon, and a high profile leader of the Whig Party in 18th century England.
Update, January 12, 2009: As the media predicted, it was Heath Ledger who won the Golden Globe, and not Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes still turned in a wonderful performance…
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(excerpt from) In The News UK
Film Story
Stars prepare for Golden Globe awards
Sunday, 11 Jan 2009 11:30
A host of British actors, directors and writers are up for prizes at this year’s Golden Globes
The Hollywood award season kicks into gear today as stars prepare to attend the Golden Globe awards.
Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Kirstin Scott Thomas and Hugh Laurie are all in the running for top prizes at the show which recognises the best in film and television
Three British film-makers have been nominated in the best director category with Slumdog Millionaire’s Danny Boyle, the Reader’s Stephen Daldry and Sam Mendes, who directs Revolutionary Road, all up for the prestigious prize…
… while Ralph Fiennes could pick up the best supporting actor prize for the Duchess.
British writers also comprise three of the five contenders in the best screenplay category with Peter Morgan’s Frost/Nixon, the Reader by David Hare and Slumdog Millionaire author Simon Beaufoy amongst the nominees.
Georgiana Circle: Women Healing History 
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