The Duchess (of Devongay)

[fembuck]

So, I just got back from The Duchess, and I have to say .... OMG, why did nobody tell me how gay this?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? Cause this movie is very gay, incredibly gay, almost Fingersmith gay ... and it's also very, very good.

1. I have to go on about the gay a little more. Keira Knightley and Hayley Atwell brought the gay like it was going out of style. Seriously, that first meeting between them when Georgiana goes over to talk to her at the party, they were flirting and eyefucking so hardcore that it was almost indecent. Even my friend who doesn't search for femslash everywhere (I know, I don't understand it either, lol) was like ... "Why so gay G?"

Seriously, the sweeping romance between Georgiana and Bess was the relationship that I was invested in. They were so cute in their courting phase.

And then finally, the bed scene. I mean my god, Bess laying in Georgiana's bed with her hair all tussled and her olden day sleepwear watching Georgiana get ready for bed. And then Georgiana joining her on the bed, and Bess talking about Georgiana about how sex can actually feel good. AND THEN SHE DEMONSTRATES FOR HER PEOPLE! It's was like Maude and Sue all over again, I'm telling you. Like slipping her nightdress down her arms, whispering in her ear, kissing her shoulders, and then ... she slips her hand under Georgiana's nightgown and FINGERS HER! I'm NOT LYING! Georgina was like "oh ... oh ... OH! OHHHH!" It was brilliant.

I was so sad when they broke up. It was like when Blair and Serena fight. I was like YOU KNOW YOU LOVE EACH OTHER. Bess even pulled out a Blair Waldorf-esque "I can't not know you" (that's not the exact line, but it was very close to that because I kind of jittered in my seat, pointed at the screen and whispered "Blair!"

If anyone knows of any Bess/Georgiana femslash hook me up with the links! HOOK ME UP WITH THE LINKS!!!

There's a nice, coherent analysis of the Georgiana/Bess relationship here (much more in depth than my insane ramblings)

2. Keira Knightley is pretty and charming as hell. I totally support an Oscar nomination. She was mesmerizing, charming, heartbreaking, and so much more. It was a fantastic performance.

3. Hayley Atwell is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I found her utterly charming as Julia Flyte in Brideshead Revisited, and I loved her as Bess here. Also, on a completely shallow note, she's got a fantastic figure and GREAT, FANTASTIC, MESMERIZING breasts. Seriously. I want to sex her all night all.

4. Charlotte Rampling! Hai gurl! Charlotte Rampling is a hot old lady. She is still very uncomfortably good looking.

That's really all I have to say at this. I just needed to rant about how fantastically (and surprisingly) gay this movie was. This is a total DVD purchase.

Very good movie.  If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend it.

Comments

[hivesix.livejournal.com]

I totally was not expecting the gay, either! It was AMAZING. Out of nowhere. The best kind of gay in a movie, I would say. That way, I have no expectations and I'm only 100% SUPER PLEASED.

1. The bed scene absolutely slayed me. It was ridiculous (in the most fantastical way possible)! I was like, "They're not going to go there... Surely they can't... No, they're not... OMG YES THEY ARE!"

And then Bess TOTALLY did Georgiana. I swear my brain broke. I was like O.O

Also, on a completely shallow note, she's got a fantastic figure and GREAT, FANTASTIC, MESMERIZING breasts.
God, yes.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

The best kind of gay in a movie, I would say. That way, I have no expectations and I'm only 100% SUPER PLEASED.

Trufax. I LOVE it when I'm surprised by the gay. And I really wasn't expecting this AT ALL in this movie. When they first met, I was like "Does anyone have any idea how incredibly gay this is coming off", and then as they got to know each other, I was like "They have to be doing this on purpose".

And then Bess TOTALLY did Georgiana. I swear my brain broke. I was like O.O

I KNOW! When her hand dipped under that dress I was like *stare open mouthed* I was like, "This is the greatest movie ever". I also loved how Georgiana kind of swayed towards Bess after like she wanted to kiss the shit out of her. So sexy.

God, yes.

Thank goodness Emma Thompson stopped the studio from making Hayley lose weight for Brideshead. Her body is fantastic, and if anyone did anything to reduce the magic of those breasts I would have to track them down and cut a bitch. Those juicy, juicy mangos should be like a national treasure.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

P.S. There's a FANTASTIC analysis of the relationship between the two here (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0864761/board/thread/118367575). I totally agree with the author.

[ein-myria.livejournal.com]

Damn....I just checked out the local availability in my area...I have to wait till January. :( Thanks for letting us know about the femslash though!

[hivesix.livejournal.com]

Ooh, thanks! I agree with it, too. It was also brilliant when Bess went with Georgiana to give her illegitimate daughter away, because it was like, definitely definitely that Bess was around for Georgiana, not the Duke. And I totally agree with the fact that there should've been more development/return to the fact that BESS DID GEORGIANA LIKE SHE CANNOT EVEN. I know I remember thinking (whilst getting over my shock at the fact that Bess and Georgiana did it) that that scene was actually rather random in the scale of the rest of the movie.

Bess/Georgiana OTP~~

(Why do I have so much trouble spelling Georgiana? I always type something ridiculous before I get it right.)

[hivesix.livejournal.com]

Oh and they wanted to make her lose weight for Brideshead? I still need to see that. She was incredibly good looking in the Duchess; why would they want to mess with that?!

Emma Thompson once again proves to be the best. ♥

Also, I rofled at Those juicy, juicy mangos should be like a national treasure. Very true.

[my-winter-love.livejournal.com]

I saw this the day it came out lmfao

IT IS SO GOOD AMG. I ripped a copy for myself because I needed to watch it again that day. lol

[the-girl-20.livejournal.com]

Lovely icon!

[the-girl-20.livejournal.com]

I had my own little squee about the Duchess when I saw it. I also have the start of a fic lying around somewhere.

The slash was immense. (And if you read this book you'll find that their actual letters to each other were even slashier...even if Bess comes across as a bit of a schemer IRL)

[joeyseph.livejournal.com]

yes it is so gay.
i watched it with friends and when they saw

And then finally, the bed scene. I mean my god, Bess laying in Georgiana's bed with her hair all tussled and her olden day sleepwear watching Georgiana get ready for bed. And then Georgiana joining her on the bed, and Bess talking about Georgiana about how sex can actually feel good. AND THEN SHE DEMONSTRATES FOR HER PEOPLE! It's was like Maude and Sue all over again, I'm telling you. Like slipping her nightdress down her arms, whispering in her ear, kissing her shoulders, and then ... she slips her hand under Georgiana's nightgown and FINGERS HER! I'm NOT LYING! Georgina was like "oh ... oh ... OH! OHHHH!" It was brilliant.

we were all like *breathe* (or die.) seriously.
and yes, it reminded me a lot of fingersmith. loved that series, 3-part movie, whatever.

[ic1pher.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the tip! Looks a lot like the kind of movie I would enjoy. *grin* --I read it didn't have a happy enging though. That's too bad. :(

[lost-dreamer23.livejournal.com]

Keira Knightley and Hayley Atwell brought the gay like it was going out of style.
TRUFAX.

Georgina was like "oh ... oh ... OH! OHHHH!" It was brilliant.
I'd always had a thing for Keira Knightley, but after that I was pretty convinced that all the other interactions between her and any members of the male gender looked pretty unpleasant compared to that.

I personally LOVED the "break-up" scene. I was squirming in my seat trying not to yell "MAKE OUT, WHY DON'T YOU!"

*sigh* This movie sort of made my life. I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who noticed the BLATANT LESBIANISM in that.

[rozk.livejournal.com]

People really have to read the Amanda Foreman biography. When the Duke exiled G to Europe over her debts, Bess just went with her and had adventures...They fetched up in Switzerland, staying with Gibbon, and were involved in what Foreman describes as helping smuggling letters from aristocrats out of France, but sounds interestingly like intelligence work to me.

Bess was a total schemer, but she also loved the people she was leeching off...

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I ripped a copy for myself because I needed to watch it again that day.

OMG! Do u still have it. The first thing I did when I got home was look for a copy but I couldn't find one :( If you still have it, could you find it in your heart to share? I would be ever so grateful *puppy dog eyes*

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

It will be worth the wait. I mean, in addition to teh gay, it's a really good movie.

[sweet-illuzion.livejournal.com]

And then finally, the bed scene. I mean my god, Bess laying in Georgiana's bed with her hair all tussled and her olden day sleepwear watching Georgiana get ready for bed. And then Georgiana joining her on the bed, and Bess talking about Georgiana about how sex can actually feel good. AND THEN SHE DEMONSTRATES FOR HER PEOPLE! It's was like Maude and Sue all over again, I'm telling you. Like slipping her nightdress down her arms, whispering in her ear, kissing her shoulders, and then ... she slips her hand under Georgiana's nightgown and FINGERS HER! I'm NOT LYING! Georgina was like "oh ... oh ... OH! OHHHH!" It was brilliant.


I need to be watching this movie. Like NAOW it'll blow me away but then i really really want some of my brain left to see I Can't Think Straight and The World Unseen <3

[4kennedy.livejournal.com]

I definitely have to watch this movie! All the gayness sounds awesome. it sucks that I have to wait til the End of March!! not fair.

[arty-ali.livejournal.com]

Ooo, that sounds AWESOME. I want to watch it now! Just the thought of a combo of the gayness of "Fingersmith" and Waldsen squees my brain to busting. Oh, and I love Emma Thompson to bits for standing up for Hayley Atwell and her hawt curves like that. Yay for her!

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I also have the start of a fic lying around somewhere

OMG! Dust it off, dust it off! Finish it! I will love you forever! (I'm also working on a fic for the two of them as well, but I need more ... MOAR!)

And if you read this book you'll find that their actual letters to each other were even slashier..

I am very tempted to read this book to find out how they could possibly be gayer. Them being gayer intrigues me muchly! Thanks for the heads up (I'd actually been wondering if the movie had embellished the gay)

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

we were all like *breathe* (or die.) seriously.

I was squirming in my seat watching that. My friend was dying laughing at how much I was silently squeeing over that scene. That's the beauty of their gay, when even straight girls are like "clearly they love each other and are meant to be" you know it's GAY.

and yes, it reminded me a lot of fingersmith. loved that series, 3-part movie, whatever.

Fingersmith was golden. I really liked it, too. It's a favorite of mine.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

Glad I could help! If you like things that are good, and things that have hot girls touching each other, then I think you'll seriously enjoy it ;)

I read it didn't have a happy enging though. That's too bad. :(

Georgiana definitely goes through some hard times, and has to suffer through some hardships, but it's not a movie with an incredibly sad ending. It's not a picture perfect Hollywood ending, but there are bright spots to it. I didn't leave the theater feeling depressed at all.

It's definitely not a sad ending like that of Princess Di or anything.

I don't want to say anything more and spoil it for you though, but don't not see it because of the ending.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I'd always had a thing for Keira Knightley, but after that I was pretty convinced that all the other interactions between her and any members of the male gender looked pretty unpleasant compared to that.

Oh, I know. I mean, I know they had to have a romance with Grey cause of history and whatnot. But Keira and Hayley had like a gajillion times more chemistry with each other, and I found myself sad that THEY couldn't find happiness together (not G and Grey). Though, I have to say, the ending shot with the handholding and playing in the garden made me feel better.

I personally LOVED the "break-up" scene. I was squirming in my seat trying not to yell "MAKE OUT, WHY DON'T YOU!"

The break up scene was brutal but incredibly gay. You could see how much Georgiana wanted to forgive her, and like throw herself into Bess's arms and bury her face in her pillowy bosom. THEIR LOVE WAS GOD (why couldn't they go and get a slushie?????)

This movie sort of made my life.

Oh, I know. I'm obsessed with it now. It was such a pleasant surprise.

I'm so glad I wasn't the only one who noticed the BLATANT LESBIANISM in that.

It was so glaring from the first time they met. Even my straight friend was like "what's going on? Why are they flirting so hardcore with each other?" and I was like, "I don't know, but I LIKE IT, yay baby!"

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

People really have to read the Amanda Foreman biography. When the Duke exiled G to Europe over her debts, Bess just went with her and had adventures...

I'm really considering checking out this book (even though I never seem to be able to finish reading historical fiction). Maybe the gay content will be enough to hold my interest. But The Amazing Adventures of G and B sound too good to pass up.

but she also loved the people she was leeching off...

This is the key for me. If she had genuine feeling for them, I can forgive her.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I need to be watching this movie. Like NAOW

You do, you do!

left to see I Can't Think Straight

I cannot wait for this movie! I hoping this movie is gonna be like my new "Imagine Me and You" (with even more GoGA). Plus, Lisa Ray kissing a girl. This is like a dream come true. Lisa Ray makes my pants ridiculously happy. That woman is so pretty it hurts. Yeah, totally looking forward to this one.

The World Unseen

I wanna see this one too, but it's lower on my list because it looks sad, and I'm a big baby who needs to psyche myself up to see sad movies.

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

The gayness is extraordinary. It sucks that you have to wait that long, but the movie is worth it :D

[fembuck.livejournal.com]

I want to watch it now!

Do it! Do it!

Just the thought of a combo of the gayness of "Fingersmith" and Waldsen squees my brain to busting.

It's fantastic. The melding of two of the greatest couples ever, into another fantastically awesome and good looking couple ... let's just say my pants were very happy.

Oh, and I love Emma Thompson to bits for standing up for Hayley Atwell and her hawt curves like that.

Just one more thing to add to the list of why Emma Thompson rules. Hayley is gorgeous just the way she is, and doesn't need to lose a pound. Hollywood totally sucks sometimes. I mean, I really like Keira Knightley, but if I had a choice between bony Georgiana and Bess, I would taken Bess and her badonkadunk any day of the week.

[(Anonymous)]

The Amanda Foreman is a biography, but one of those serious books which is just as readable as a novel - it's full of odd little snippets like G's connection with radical publishers that Foreman doesn't always follow through on.

When I get to the French Revolution section of Vol 2 of Rhapsodies of Blood, I plan to give the Lausanne household a vignette as a coda to the story.

[rozk.livejournal.com]

That was me, BTW.

[the-girl-20.livejournal.com]

I'd actually been wondering if the movie had embellished the gay - Nope, pretty sure it toned the gay down quite a bit. There's all sorts of 'Oh Bess, I cannot live without you, each day we are parted only makes my love for you grow' and 'Our hearts were made to be together' type stuff going on. (Plus, bits of the letters have been inked out over time...so God knows what kind of juicy stuff was originally there!)

I kind of love RL Bess. She seems to have fallen in love with pretty much everyone she met. But ultimately, I do think she loved both G and the Duke the most.

The start of the fic I mentioned is barely even a start:

Darkness had fallen but Georgiana paid it no heed, continuing to stare out of the window, unseeing. She had cried herself to numbness and had not the energy to move from her position. She had ignored the servants as they lit her lamps and shooed them away when they offered food and refreshment. She could not think of ever eating again, her gut was in such turmoil.

The door to her chamber creaked as it opened but she did not turn.

“Georgiana.”

Her chest constricted. A phantom hand squeezing her heart and wringing from it the tears which suddenly ran from her eyes again. She bowed her head and made her voice strong before replying.

“I would have though you had more decency than to come directly to my bedchamber from his.”

The words did not come out as harshly as she had intended, the brokenness inside her somehow lessening them. Still she did not turn to see their impact.

“Oh, G…you know th-“

Georgiana spun around at the endearment, her eyes blazing. But all that Bess could see were the tear marks on her cheeks. Instinctively she moved towards Georgiana to comfort her but stopped when Georgiana stood.

“I think you should address me as ‘Your Grace’, from now on. You’ll forgive me if I’m unsure of what I should call you. I’m afraid my mother neglected to teach me the correct form of address for one’s husband’s live-in whore.”

Bess recoiled slightly, but kept her head up.

“I would assume, your Grace, that the address is the same as the one your husband has used for me these past months.”

Georgiana laughed incredulously at the implication.

“Are you suggesting that you have been my whore?”

“I am suggesting, your Grace, that I have been as close to you as anyone ever has. Closer, I’d wager. I know your thoughts and your dreams and your fears, and you mine. I am suggesting that we are far more intimate with one another than either of us is with your husband.”

“And yet, despite our apparent intimacy, you deemed it perfectly acceptable to lure him to your bed,” Georgiana spat, bile rising in her throat at the thought, and at the truth of the words Bess had spoken.

“My dear Georgiana,” Bess said, formality forgotten, “Please know that there was no luring on my part. You have observed me spurn The Duke’s advances with your own eyes.”

This gave Georgiana pause. She walked slowly to the bed and sank down heavily on its edge. Bess approached but stopped a distance away.

“The Duke came to me with a proposal…I…I could not refuse him.”

...I'm pretty sure there was to be some sex after that.