Silver Screen Gems

The Duchess, 2008
Keira Knightly, Ralph Fiennes,
Dominic Cooper & Hayley Atwell 

I'm a fanatic for gorgeous period films, especially ones that capture the era, authentically, through setting, costume and jewelry. I love to get lost in a film that takes me to a different time and place and mesmerizes me with its beauty & story. And, if it's based on true events, even better! My list is long, therefore this will be an on-going feature on Gems - a tour guide ;)   

So... as we head into fall with a chill in the air and longer nights, lets get started with two of my favorites.

Keira Knightly & Hayley Atwell in The Duchess -
sporting pretty day-wear for a walk in the park.

The Duchess, a true story based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire. This rich drama tells the story of her somewhat turbulent marriage to her husband, the Duke of Devonshire, her children, loves, losses and public popularity as a fashion trend-setter and forward thinking woman of the late 18th century. There is no sugar coating in this film, which I love, about what life was like for her. Difficult circumstances and rules of that period make it an often times heart breaking journey - but there are moments of real joy, tenderness & love, too.

Keira Knightly as the Duchess of Devonshire in a ballroom scene from
The Duchess, with fabulous wig, costume & jewels!

One of my favorite things about this movie, however, is the magnificent costumes, wigs & jewelry! I don't know if I've ever seen a better representation of that period on film. Truly believable. I was very impressed with the jewelry, especially seeing things like the cut steel parure (suite of jewelry) worn by Keira Knightly, seen in the movie poster above (top). These types of jewels were all the rage at that time and worn by the royalty and aristocrats of Europe, even showing up in royal portraits, such as Catherine the Great of Russia. Worn as a diamond substitute, cut steel jewelry (faceted steel studs riveted to a steel backing) shimmered in the evening candlelight just as brightly as diamonds, and some might say carried a sense of power about them, being made from steel. 
Round out this film with great performances by the cast, beautiful scenery and an intelligent story, based on the book by Amanda Foreman, and you have a real winner.

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Bright Star, 2009
Abbie Cornish & Ben Whishaw

Another favorite of mine is Bright Star.
Based on the romance of poet John Keats & Fanny Brawne in the early 19th century. This small jewel of a film features the quiet yet passionate love between the pair. In a time of little money, illness & hardship, their love never falters. Set in Hampstead Village on the outskirts of London, the film, directed by Jane Campion (who remembers The Piano?), doesn't need jewelry to be an absolute gem - in fact, the rich colors of clothing & interiors and the painterly scenes of nature are more than enough to satisfy the senses. Add the beauty of Keats' poetry and their love letters to each other and you find yourself lost in their world.

Bright Star - lounging after the picnic

The other thing I love about this film is that Fanny is a strong woman who knows what she wants in life and was even known for her fashion-forward creations that she made herself and wore. I love the simple scenes of her sewing. There are many visually arresting scenes in this film that will move you, as will the story. As I said, it is a small jewel of a film.

                

                      Bright Star - a walk in the countryside

Bright Star - Fanny talking with her younger sister

I hope you enjoy these first two films in the Gems - a tour guide

favorite period films selection! Happy viewing!