Movies relating to our planning stage: The Duchess

Summary: The Duchess is a 2008 historical period drama, produced by paramount vintage, BBC and pathe. Though adored by the people, the Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley) is not content to sit as a pretty figurehead. Determined to be a major player in affairs of state, she rises to the forefront of the Whig Party and helps usher in reform in late-1700s England. The one thing it seems she cannot do is win the heart of her husband (Ralph Fiennes). The reason why I chose to anylise this film is due to the fact that the protagonist is female and the movie challenges the stereotypical male dominated society of the 1700s.

1) Main movie titles:
Before the main title comes in, there is a short introduction which sets up the skeletal plotline for the entire movie. During this short introduction, we see the three main idents followed by snippets of shots mixed with oppening credits. These snippets show the Duchess with her friends, the ladies in one group who are betting (as comondeered by the Duchess) on another group of boys who are racing. This shows how the Duchess is a strong female protagonist. Following this, we see her parents arange her marriage and as time goes on, the main titles are shown as she walks down the aisle. She looks apprehensively at her new husband and he is expressionless. The Duchess title is shown in formal white text towards the bottom of the frame (which doesn't stand out). This frame conveys a lot to the audience however, including character development, the authentic mise en scene and the complex plotline to come (as is standard of a period drama).

2) Shot types:

The beginning snippet shots of this movie are interwined with the opening credits. The very first shot is a high angle shot of the protagonist's dress trailing the ground, emphasising her power along with mise en scene. Following this, we see a tracking shot whereby we see the back of the protagonist, once again emphasising mise en scene and showing the English country setting. There are a number of medium shots, long shots and panning shots which show the two groups of men and women, creating the theme of gender differentiation. As well as this, there is a close up on the face of both the protagonist and what seems to be a possible love interest, which will creates an ominous tone for future reference, as The Duchess is not to be married to this character. One of the most iconic shots in this film is a tracking shot of The Duchess walking down the aisle towards her new husband. She looks aprehensive and the use of mise en scene has been used to convey a grandoise atmosphere. This frame is also used as the oppening title.

3) Music/ sound:
The use of an orchestral and piano concerto is used as a gentle instrumental background soundtrack. The music builds anticipation and shows how lavish the 1700s were. As well as this, the use of asynchronous sound in the form of a lamb signifies the English countryside location. There are atmospheric nature sounds, creating a natural and authentic feel for the audience, as well as some dialogue, setting up the skeletal plot line. The dialogue is posh and in the form of the high class society at this time (as seen through proper and sophisticated language and well pronunciated words).

4) Mise en scene:
An english countryside location has been used, along with an authentic mansion which is shown in an establishing shot. This location is congruous with the actual events that occurred (the film is based on a true story). The costume and makeup convey authenticity (Large stylised wigs along with powder and rouge), with every last detail predetermined. This important, especially due to the fact that costume is mentioned so much in the film. There are grandiose and lavish props, showing the luxurious lifestyle of the higher class. The budget for this film was huge, as is standard of period dramas.

5) Codes and conventions:
This film challenges the codes and conventions of a period drama more than it follows them. This is due to the fact that the nature of the film is to challenge the patriarchal society of the 1700s. the film does this by conveying a strong female protagonist as the lead, who presents in the beginning how women bowed down to the power of men, before challenging it later on as she becomes more involved in politics. However, standard mise en scene for the film has been used as well as classical soundtrack.

6) Target audience and social groups:
Due to the historical nature of this film, those interesteded in history and especially in the history of feminism and politics, may find this film more beneficial. The film would probably bore a younger audience and so, therefore it is more fitting for those who are middle aged or above. As well as this, being a film about english history and being made by english production companies, this film would be aimed at England in general. However, the themes can still be applied universally.