The Lady & the Duke

Rohmer's third historical feature and literary adaptation is taken from the memoirs of Grace Elliott (Russell, even more impressive than she was in Chris Nolan's Following), a wealthy, well-connected Brit trapped in Paris at the time of the Revolution. Though an intimate of an influential Republican, the Duc d'Orléans (Dreyfus), she nevertheless falls under suspicion after reluctantly helping the governor of the Tuileries to evade the guillotine. Partly a suspense drama, partly a very relevant study in how political ideals may be tainted by fanaticism, partly a typically astute moral disquisition, this magisterial film finds the octogenarian auteur embracing the new opportunities afforded by digital - it resembles a contemporary painting come exquisitely to life. A splendid and remarkable achievement.