French
Drama
Feature film
2001

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First point of interest, the Lady and the Duke isn't a decidedly "French" French movie. It's only a touch French. The story was straightforward, the acting wonderful and the style delicious.

The Lady and the Duke (better translated as the Englishwoman and the Duke) takes place in Revolutionary France, when many of the nobility had unfortunate partings with their heads. Grace (the Lady), is a devout Royalist and her love (and lover) the Duke d'Orleans is a Revolutionary. Both are decidedly noble (Orleans was King Louis' cousin) and firmly in love with each other. The revolution sweeps them up, apart, and together again until Orleans is finally beheaded. Grace is saved from death by the downfall of Robespierre.

And what happens to her after that? Does she return to England and live a lonely life until her death? Does she stay in her adopted France and mourn Orleans for the rest of her days? Does she marry and have a house full of kids?

Well, see, that's the French part. They never really finish Grace's story. She stays alive, but that's all we get.

Stylistically, the picture is gorgeous. The backgrounds look like fine oil paintings, and the actions, movements and effects blend seamlessly with that style. Figures move around in the background, merging in and out of the oil-style scenery which was lovely to watch.

Unfortunately, I think this effect was the most captivating element of the movie. There was a distinct lack of drama, and far too much exposition instead of dialog. This plays like a movie from 1965, not 2001 with the simplicity of the storytelling. At 129 minutes, I think it was probably about 40 minutes too long.