I watched The Duchess the other day. I didn't expect to like it because I'd heard it was such a dreary story. However, I fell in love with it, in a somewhat similar way as I love the Boleyn saga.

Now, I must add a disclaimer - biopics are a little bit murky as movies, in my opinion. You must either accept that you are watching a fictionalized version of events (meaning edited for the sake of gaining any kind of sympathetic audience because face it - real life just isn't that pretty). So I don't know how historically accurate this particular movie is, but if you look at it as just a story, it's a damn compelling one, wrapped up into a very well-constructed film.

The beauty of the film is almost overwhelming, starting and ending with Keira Knightly dressed up and flounced around as an 18th century barbie doll. She is amazing-looking, and all the layers of clothing and wigs distract attention away from the fact that she's been away from my dinner table way too long. Aside from her looks, I have to confess that her performance is truly amazing. At the beginning of the film, she is all girl. But by the end, she looks a woman who has lived several lives, and learned in each of them that the fairy tale has no comfortable ending unless she learns to somehow live comfortably in it.

Ralph Fiennes is also astounding. I love to watch with a special eye the villainous roles. And I feel strong sympathy for the actors who succeed so well that they are booed as they take their final bow - they should be proud, though, that they've done their jobs so admirably. Not only does Ralph Fiennes play a truly despicable character, he gives that character humanity. I wanted to hate him. He commits treacherous crimes against my gender, most of which are completely unforgivable. But I still found myself forgiving him at the end, against my better judgment. And I thank Ralph Fiennes for his taking on a thankless role and making it a masterpiece.

See it. It's not easy. But it's still somehow a delight to watch.