TIFF Movie Review – The Invisible Woman (2013)

Charles Dickens meets a young woman who becomes his muse and mistress.

A school teacher (Felicity Jones) orchestrates a play rehearsal of a story written by Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes); it turns out that she personally knew the author.  A series of flashbacks occur that chronicle how the young woman became the mistress of the legendary literary figure.

From the opening shot of Felicity Jones (Like Crazy) briskly walking across a beach the story marches on with a great sense of purpose.  Jones plays her role with vulnerability and heartfelt adoration while Ralph Fiennes (The Constant Gardener) dives enthusiastically into the part of a man who is both charming and cold hearted.  Kristin Scott Thomas (Gosford Park) is as dependable as ever as the mother who only wants the best for her daughters.  Initially, it appeared that Joanna Scanlan (Stardust) was going to be saddled with the role of the frumpy and unloving wife who drives her husband away; however, she has a moment worthy of the famous scene in Network (1976) where an adulterous affair is confronted.

The lighting is painterly and natural in manner that harkens to the works of famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.  There are no fancy camera moves thereby allowing the performances of the cast to take centre stage.  Ralph Fiennes is developing an assuredness as a director and it echoes throughout the production which is thoughtfully executed in a way that feels authentic rather than orchestrated.  One cannot help but feel the emotional turmoil in which the various characters are going through on the big screen.  The Invisible Woman will not go unnoticed when the Oscar nominations get announced in 2014.