Dreary and unemotional the true story of Effie Gray with a script by Emma Thompson plays out on the big screen this weekend. Terribly miscast, hollow and not quite as realistic as other films of its ilk, the Victorian period piece falls short of any real praise. The camera work does create a spark of artistic applause and the scenic shots are a treat. Performances by its honorable cast while admirable, get wasted with very little character development.
The film centers on Effie Gray (Dakota Fanning) a youngster living in Scottland around the mid 1800’s in the home that was once occupied by author and art critic John Ruskin’s grandfather who had committed suicide. John Ruskin visits his grandfather’s home following the death and although in his early thirties becomes enamored with Effie just 12-years-old. Years later when Effie turns 19 she agrees to marry Ruskin for an opportunity to live a luxurious life. Effie goes with Ruskin to England where she lives in the Ruskin’s palatial estate that’s ruled by his parents. The teen is in awe of the opulence and wealth she’s come into and anxious to begin her new life.
So begins a story of a young girl who endures a suffocating period in her life without marital bliss, under close scrutiny and without any affection from those surrounding her. Director Richard Laxton whose credits include mostly television productions, takes a whack at this significantly large and creative period piece. He handles the brooding cinematography extremely well taking his crews to the Scotish Highlands, parts of London and Venice, Italy. He dresses his characters in amicable garb, furishes his sets with customary 1800 Victorian antiques, but for most of the interiors provides color in the form of paintings of the era. His ability to get beyond a television matinee however, never happens.
His actors, even Emma Thompson who wrote the script, gives dispassionate performances too dull for big screen fare. While Dakota Fanning does fit the approximate age of Effie at the time of her marriage, her personality really doesn’t fit the role. Leading into the character with a syrupy goo-goo eyed innocence gives her Effie a good jumping off point, but it never changes throughout. Her character arc runs nearly flat lined for start to end. If it were not for the scenes involving being under the influence of laudanum and acting out the effects, there’d be no arc at all.
It’s a character study gone badly, but I cannot believe it’s all Fanning’s fault. Whether the director had no control over directing the young talented actress or there was miss communication with the writer concerning the development of the character or Fanning was so set on trying to perform with an accent she couldn’t handle; well pick one out. As for the rest of the cast they had to deal with it. Even Julie Walters as Mrs. Ruskin doesn’t even get a rise out of her during a rant. There’s no chemistry between Effie and any of the characters she works opposite except her sister Sophie played by Polly Dartford.
Effie Gray has been rated PG-13 for thematic and sexual content, and some nudity. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature teens see the film as it does have some scenes that are inappropriate for adolescents.
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Dakota Fanning, Greg Wise, Tom Sturridge, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Polly Dartford, David Suchet, Riccardo Scamarcio, Derek Jacobi, Claudia Cardinale, Robbie Coltrane, Russell Tovey, James Fox, Linda Bassett, Tom Herriott, Joanna Hole.
Directed by: Richard Laxton
Genre: Drama, Period Piece,
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic and sexual content, and some nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 48 min
Release Date: April 3, 2015
Distributed by: Metrodome
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
