The Duchess

Are female actors kicking male actors to the curb?

Well, after observing the depth of roles that female actors have portrayed in 2008 and now into 2009, I should say "Hell Yes!".

One such actress is Keira Knightley. Before asking any questions, watch The Duchess and believe me when I tell you that you will be left speechless. I do not believe that I have cried or rooted for a character, or been in awe of such a performance since... my god since this very same actress portrayed Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. However, even that performance does not come close to her astounding performance in The Duchess.

An intense account of the famous and highly influential Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire in the late 1700s England, based on the biography penned by Amanda Foreman, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat. You can't help but scream at the heartless and boring Duke (Ralph Fiennes), whose hypocrisy knows no bounds and cry, laugh and root for the impeccable Duchess (Knightley).

If you're a mother, you are in a prime position to feel every emotion that the Duchess feels. If you are a woman you will not be able to escape the desires for love, simple admiration and love that the Duchess craves and is deprived of. And if you are a man, then you will fall in love with this enigmatic woman that all of England and the world over were in love with so very long ago -- perhaps even now because she remains an important figure of history.

Knightley's performance in this film is none like her earlier period films. Her past portrayals have been nothing less of magnificent, however, she has even further matured in her acting abilities. Every feeling, every thirst, every bit of torture and frustration that she emotes, you feel it yourself. Her screen presence is absolutely inescapable and overwhelming and she spares no cost in bringing to life one of the most influential women in England's history. To the point where you wonder, "why haven't I known about this Duchess before?"

Knightley's performance made me wonder, "are female actors kicking male actors to the curb?". In all the movies I have seen of late, the actresses are outshining the actors. Even in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" that had Brad Pitt in the lead role, two women, Cate Blanchett and Taraji Henson, stole the show. There's only one explanation: finally when female actors are being given substantial roles in films with good stories, they are not only rising to the occassion, but they are thriving.

It's been a long time coming and now no one can stop them. Perhaps this is why society of past has tried so very hard to keep women inferior to their male-counterparts. Hey, don't question me, just watch all the films of late and answer the question: 'Is the actress stealing the show?'

In the meantime, watch what has definitely become a classic and appreciate the performance of an actress that will go down in history as one of immeasurable and profound talent. Watch The Duchess.

;)