In 1857, Frances (Kristin Scott Thomas), an actress with three daughters including the youngest, Ellen "Nelly" (Felicity Jones), are performing in a Manchester production of The Frozen Deep. The director of the play is none other than the prolific writer Charles Dickens (Ralph Fiennes) who is quite taken by the poise and emotional vibrancy of the 18-year-old. The 45-year-old author is immensely popular as a novelist, a public speaker, a father of 10 children, and an advocate for the poor and the downtrodden in English society.
Dickens has been married for years to Catherine (Joanna Scanlan) who has worn herself out giving him a large family. She realized long ago that her husband's major allegiance is to his endless creativity and the large amount of time he has to spend on the engines of publicity to keep his name before the public. In the film's most erotic scene, Dickens and Nelly are in his study with her mother dozing nearby on a lounge. He reveals his adoration for her and the glow of her face and the flow of tears reveal her deep feelings for him.
Despite their mutual efforts to keep their attachment to each other a secret, a whispering campaign exposes them to the public. The great author leaves his wife but cannot marry Nelly — especially after he takes her to the home shared by his collaborator Wilkie Collins (Tom Hollander), his unwed mistress, and their child. Nelly is repulsed by their example and the idea of being Dickens' "whore."
The Invisible Woman is the second directing effort by Ralph Fiennes (Coriolanus), and it hits the mark as a sophisticated biopicture charting the affair of the middle-aged Charles and the teenage Nelly. This took place during the last 13 years of his life. The costume drama is based on a 1990 book by Claire Tomalin and has been adapted for the screen by Abi Morgan.
Fiennes's performance as the legendary writer conveys the artist's passion for life and the freedom to do your own thing. As Nelly, Felicity Jones conveys the restraint and moral propriety that formed the core of this sensitive soul's character. We see her struggle with the meaning of her complicated relationship with Dickens following his death and her marriage.
Special features on the Blu-Ray/DVD include a commentary with Ralph Fiennes & Felicity Jones; "On the Red Carpet" at the Toronto Premiere; SAG Foundation Conversations with Ralph Fiennes & Felicity Jones; and the Toronto International Film Festival press conference.
Screened at The 51st New York Film Festival, Lincoln Center.
