Effie Gray

Proper Victorian society would not tolerate divorce, so it was scandalous when young Euphemia “Effie” Gray left her husband, influential art critic John Ruskin, after a loveless six-year marriage, for painter John Everett Millais. Teenage Effie's (Dakota Fanning) story begins in Scotland, circa 1848, when she marries Ruskin (John Wise). Arriving in London, Effie discovers to her dismay that they are to live with Ruskin's prim, domineering parents (Julie Walters, David Suchet). Worse yet, after viewing lovely Effie's naked body, Ruskin coldly refuses to consummate their marriage. At a Royal Academy of Arts dinner, Ruskin supports the new Pre-Raphaelite movement, convincing Sir Charles Eastlake (James Fox) to allow young artists, such as John Millais (Tom Sturridge), to exhibit. That same night, Effie's befriended by Eastlake's wife (Emma Thompson), who recognizes her naïveté and angst, and becomes her confidante. When the Ruskins travel to picturesque Venice, Effie rebuffs an ardent Italian. But in rain-soaked, rural Scotland, where Millais paints Ruskin's portrait, chaste Effie finds sparks with Millais. Written by costar Thompson and directed by Richard Laxton, Effie Gray is a dreary costume drama that never probes too deeply into repressed Ruskin's dysfunctional sexuality. Although Ruskin was only nine years older than Effie, Wise (Thompson's real-life husband) is 23 years older than child-like Fanning. Far too timid and tasteful, this is an optional purchase. (S. Granger)