Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, Kristin Scott Thomas
Ralph Fiennes directs this film and stars as Charles Dickens, at a time when the writer is detaching himself from his wife and family and gradually taking over the affections of young actress Ellen Ternan, the youngest of three sisters, and (as recognised by her mother) the poorest actress of the three.
Dickens and Ellen (Nelly) meet at the theatre and she finds herself accompanying him at the home of Wilkie Collins and his mistress.
The story comes from an (apparently speculative) Claire Tomalin book. The two leads are outstanding in subtle performances.
Dickens is keen to maintain propriety as he edges in on the young woman, and also displays a public conscience in dealing kindly with the poor waifs and strays of the day. This is in sharp contrast with dumping his family for the younger woman, to the resigned distress of his wife Charlotte (Joanna Scanlan). He even announces the separation in the newspapers, but denies the affair.
Ellen wants to resist, and rarely seems happy, but is overwhelmed by the fame and intellect of the older man. However she is not allowed to be openly seen with him, which takes its toll on their relationship.
The period detail is exceptional, house and theatre interiors looking exactly right, as do the quiet countryside scenes and one important train journey.
