Movie review: "The Duchess" (2008)

The gist: On the eve of her 17th birthday, Georgiana Cavendish wed the 25-year-old 5th Duke Of Devonshire, England's pre-eminent peer, on the understanding she'd bear him a male heir. Looks, brains, fashion sense and political acumen combined to make the Duchess the most celebrated and influential socialite of her day. However, within her marriage she was virtually powerless; forced to accept her hubby's adulteries – including making her bestie his mistress and moving the woman and her kids into their mansion on a permanent basis – while forbidden from conducting affairs of her own. This, as they say, is her story.

Selling points: Keira Knightley's performance as Georgiana consists largely of sitting/standing still while pulling faces – but what pretty faces they are, and suitable for portraying such a legendary beauty. Ralph Fiennes' Duke is a complex creature ruined by extreme privilege. Able to behave exactly as he likes, he is by turns a figure of fun and an unfeeling monster.

It's kinda like: Then and now. The example that sticks in my mind is the 18th-century equivalent of paparazzi – artists who'd congregate outside important functions to sketch the A-list for the following morning's papers.

Final word: Don't mistake this harsh slice of history for a chick flick.

[Australian cinema release date: October 2]