BBC Films, Headline Pictures, Magnolia Mae Films,
Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Fairley, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas, Tom Hollander, Tom Burke, Perdita Weeks, John Kavanagh
Charles Dickens (Ray Fiennes) is at the height of his career, but bored with his domestic but literary deficient wife when he spots a young actress, Nelly (Felicity Jones) who is very smart. Friendship turns into more as he makes this young woman his mistress, but his morals require him to keep her a secret, and though she lives a lavish lifestyle, the lies and secrets tear her to pieces.
Based on the life of British Author Charles Dickens, this is a very well done story. If there’s a flaw, it’s that it’s very slow to develop, but the story is very interesting, and the performers are very good. There is a scene where Dickens’ wife delivers a message to her husband’s mistress which is very powerful. That one scene makes the movie worthwhile. The self loathing and bitterness about always being hidden away as a terrible secret takes a toll on the poor girl, and her efforts to deal with that is what makes this film so entertaining. It’s set in the late 1800’s, of course, so it’s a period piece of sorts, and that’s something that I normally don’t get into. But I have to admit the story did keep me interested, and the fact that it’s based on the true story helped to keep my interest. The script is very well written and the character development is outstanding, and Ray Fiennes second round of playing Mr. Dickens gives us a lot more into both the good and not so good sides of this revered writer. If you like the biographical drama of times of old and can tolerate the slow and steady way this story evolves, you’re sure to like this tale. If you want lots of action and adventure, stay away!
EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog
