Ralph Finnes proves he has a directorial talent in his
wonderful adaptation of the life of Charles Dickens in The Invisible Woman. Nelly,
a young school teacher is haunted by her past. We are taken back in time to
take a look at her affair with Dickens, through the use of flashbacks caused by
her guilt and loss. Although it is apparent that Dickens has also fallen for
Nelly, their relationship is not believable until the end of the film. Nelly,
(Felicity Jones) who is 18 at the time of the affair, seems like only a fan,
over obsessed with her idol. She follows Dickens around like a lost puppy.
Until Nelly falls pregnant with their first child, this is all their
relationship seems to be. During the film, I did get a little bored. The film
was disjoined in certain parts, and was very slow. During the first half of the
film, the fact that Nelly is having flashbacks is drilled into us, which is
what makes the relationship unbelievable. Joanna Scanlan gives an amazing
performance as Dickens's neglected wife, Catherine. Her performance rose above
both Finnes and Felicity Jones’.
All of this notwithstanding, Finnes uses a series of
beautiful scenes and breath-taking shots, as well as this, the costume design
is perfect. Not only this, but there are several references to the work of
Dickens, such as The Waves and Great Expectations. As well as starring on
screen in the lead role of Dickens; Finnes has a very obvious talent for
directing, however, his true calling is acting.
Review by: Vicki
Bilton
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