Review of The Invisible Woman (2013) by Travis H — 16 Nov 2013

Let's be straight: You're either going to love or hate "The Invisible Woman" and I'm with the lovers. Ralph Fiennes beautifully directed this little-known story about Charles Dickens.

I never saw Fiennes' directorial debut, "Coriolanus", but am sure his "Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer" BAFTA nomination must have been well earned based on his second directorial outing.

I was going to say that he brings Dickens to life as never before but that's because I've never witnessed Dickens portrayed on film before this, having seen neither Simon Callow's one-man show (coming to DVD?) nor Anthony Hopkins' BAFTA-nominated TV performance as "The Great Inimitable Mr.

Dickens" (1970). To say this is a quiet movie should be taken literally. In several scenes, Fiennes uses silence to great effect and often lets the camera stay on an image for several beats more than is the norm these days, and it works.

Besides Fiennes, there are wonderful performances from Felicity Jones, Kristen Scott Thomas and Tom Hollander. (While it turns out I'd seen Felicity Jones in small roles in a few films and one Dr.

Who episode, it was her starring role in a minor rom-com, "Chalet Girl", that I'd caught on cable awhile back that was the main reason I knew I had seen her in something before but not in a dramatic role.

) Cinematography, score and costumes all add to the period look and feel. If you want action, look elsewhere but if you want a glimpse into the life of Mr. Dickens, something rich in character and emotion (and silence), look no further.