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When Ralph Fiennes first stepped behind the camera to direct Coriolanus in 2011, he took a classic Shakespearian play and turned it into a distinctive modern-day war movie. Now, in the follow-up, The Invisible Woman, the two-time Oscar nominee finds his inspiration in another literary icon.
The Invisible Woman finds Fiennes moving from Shakespeare to Dickens, portraying the celebrated author at the height of his popularity. But, as the film’s title suggests, this isn’t his story; it’s the story of Nelly Ternan (Felicity Jones), an aspiring young actress who meets Dickens when she performs in one of his plays.
While Nelly is fascinated by the author’s work, his words, and his energy, Dickens takes a keen interest in her as well. And despite his marriage and her moral objections, the two find themselves in a secret but increasingly passionate relationship.
Much like Coriolanus, The Invisible Woman is beautiful and heavy—and likely to go just slightly over your head. The period sets and costumes give the film a striking elegance, while the forbidden romance gives the film its heft. The story is told as a kind of flashback, as an older, married Nelly looks back on her secret affair with fondness, guilt, and perhaps even regret. Theirs isn’t a happy-go-lucky love story. Despite their quiet attraction and admiration, as the tension grows between them, it’s clear that it shouldn’t be—that he has a wife and a family and she’s a young woman with a reputation at risk. And that gives the film a melancholy tone that underscores even the film’s happier, more passionate moments.
Meanwhile, Fiennes directs himself in yet another stand-out performance. His Dickens is charming and gregarious, with a magnetic personality that attracts a crowd of admirers wherever he goes. And when Fiennes delivers a reading of Dickens’s work, he’s absolutely engrossing. You might even find yourself leaning toward the screen, drawn in by the force of his performance.
If there’s one actor today who can skillfully deliver lengthy passages of 19th-century dialogue, it’s Fiennes. Though you may not always fully understand what he’s saying, you’ll feel what he’s saying. The same goes for the story itself—though it isn’t particularly solid, it’s certainly robust.
Again, like Coriolanus, The Invisible Woman isn’t a film that will appeal to wide audiences. It’s a rather grim story about a forbidden romance that leaves the main character with sadness and remorse. But the beautiful period production and a noteworthy performance by Fiennes make it yet another striking film by a talented director.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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