Historically (because I find this fascinating and want to share) this is what Effie Gray herself had to say on the matter: Women have never been able to live up to completely unrealistic expectations of what their body should look like. The film takes a subtle, albeit likely stance that Ruskin did not approve of Gray’s nude figure, perhaps spending so much time idealizing classic Roman and Greek statues that he didn’t like what he saw when he saw the real thing. While there’s no definitive answer on what exactly transpired between Gray and Ruskin, there’s enough on historical record (Ruskin, Gray and Millais were not completely silent on the matter) to argue plausible theories. That is until Effie decides to defy convention and fight for her freedom. Millais can’t bear to watch how Ruskin treats his wife – who’s health is deteriorating (her hair even falling out in clumps due to her anxiety). The two fall in love with each other but do not act on their feelings. Emma Thompson in Effie Gray.Įffie ultimately befriends and turns to Lady Elizabeth Eastlake (played wonderfully by Emma Thompson) for help while also spending time with John Everett Millais (Tom Sturridge) – an up and coming artist and one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood who is painting her husband’s portrait. She also finds herself oppressed by Ruskin’s controlling mother played by the always brilliant Julie Walters. Effie, hurt and confused, becomes more isolated, anxious and depressed the longer she’s married to him. However, Ruskin refused to consummate the marriage for somewhat ambiguous reasons. They had known each other since she was a child – he, in fact, wrote her a fairy tale (that is published and you can read) when she was only 12-years-old. Dakota Fanning as Effie Gray.Įffie Gray tells the real-life story of Euphemia “Effie” Gray and her marriage to the famous critic John Ruskin (Greg Wise – you may remember him as the wicked Willoughby).
There’s Ruth Myers (costume designer previously for films like Nicholas Nickleby and The Painted Veil), Andrew Dunn (cinematographer of Gosford Park), James Merifield – the production designer of Little Dorrit and more. The production team boasts some of the most talented in the industry – especially for period drama fans. The film also stars incredible talent including Emma Thompson, Greg Wise, Tom Sturridge, Julie Walters, David Suchet, Derek Jacobi, James Fox, Robbie Coltrane and Russell Tovey. The film stars Dakota Fanning, who gives a luminous and emotional performance as Effie Gray – the woman who defied Victorian rules and created a scandal still talked about today. Penned by Emma Thompson (she won the Academy Award for adapting Sense and Sensibility Effie Gray marks her first original screenplay), and directed by the BAFTA nominated Richard Laxton, Effie Gray is one of the best period dramas in the last few years.
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