Period drama based on a true story, starring Dakota Fanning, Tom Sturridge, Greg Wise and Emma Thompson. In 1848, 19-year-old Euphemia "Effie" Gray marries acclaimed art critic and historian John Ruskin, but a combination of her innocence and his sexual dysfunction means their relationship is fraught with frustration. However, when Effie falls in love with Pre-Raphaelite painter John Everett Millais, the result is a scandalous court case that outrages Victorian society.
Eminent critic John Ruskin, a key figure in the Victorian art scene, remains equally well known for his scandal-hit private life, which this period drama, written by Emma Thompson, explores from the perspective of his long-suffering spouse. Former child star Dakota Fanning looks every inch the big-eyed, pale-skinned Pre-Raphaelite heroine as the naive young bride who discovers her mother-dominated husband has little sexual interest in her, yet has little prospects of escaping marriage to this distinguished public figure. Note-perfect performances enhance this fascinating true story, with an excellent Greg Wise rendering the cruel but troubled Ruskin something of a tragic figure and Fanning hugely affecting in the lead. The finesse and intelligence of the production owe much to Thompson's screenwriting skills, and she also enjoys a juicy supporting role as wise proto-feminist Lady Eastlake.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Euphemia "Effie" Gray | Dakota Fanning |
| John Everett Millais | Tom Sturridge |
| John Ruskin | Greg Wise |
| Lady Eastlake | Emma Thompson |
| Mr Ruskin | David Suchet |
| Margaret Cox Ruskin | Julie Walters |
| Viscountess | Claudia Cardinale |
| Doctor | Robbie Coltrane |
| Sir Charles Eastlake | James Fox |
| Travers Twiss | Derek Jacobi |
| Rafael | Riccardo Scamarcio |
| Sophie Gray | Polly Dartford |
| George | Russell Tovey |
| Anna | Linda Bassett |
| Dante Gabriel Rossetti | Sam Churchill |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Laxton |
