Roxane Duran: A Rising Star in Period Dramas and the Art of the ‘Frock Flick’
A captivating French-Austrian actress, Roxane Duran, has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts of historical dramas, or “frock flicks,” with a diverse and growing portfolio of roles spanning centuries and continents. Initially recognized for her portrayal of the Comtesse de Provence in the recent Marie Antoinette series, Duran’s work extends far beyond this high-profile project, encompassing everything from gothic thrillers to biographical pieces. She is currently slated to appear in the upcoming productions Vienna Game, set during the 1814 Congress of Vienna, and The Bitter End, focusing on the story of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, further solidifying her presence in the genre.
From Nuns to Queens: A Look Back at Duran’s Period Roles
Duran’s versatility is immediately apparent when examining her past roles. She first appeared as Sister Agnes in The Monk (2011), a gothic thriller set in 17th-century Spain. One observer questioned whether Duran played one of the nuns in the film, noting a degree of ambiguity.
In 2012, Duran took on the role of Rosalie in Augustine, a film based on a true story depicting a complex love affair between a 19th-century French neurologist and his patient. The following year, she portrayed a princess in Age of Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas (2013), a German historical drama centered on a merchant’s rebellion against the state in the 16th century. The dark cinematography of the film made it difficult to fully appreciate the costume design, according to one source.
Duran’s range continued to expand with a role as one of Queen Mary’s numerous Scottish ladies-in-waiting in a French biopic. The costumes were described as “reasonably generic 16th century.”
Biopics and Beyond: Exploring Duran’s Artistic Collaborations
The actress demonstrated her ability to embody real-life figures in Paula (2016), a biopic about German Expressionist painter Paula Modersohn-Becker. Duran played Clara Rilke-Westhoff, a fellow artist and sculptor. A striking image from the production showcases “lingerie dresses,” highlighting the film’s aesthetic.
Further diversifying her resume, Duran appeared in Clash of Futures (2018), a docu-drama exploring the lives of Europeans between the World Wars. Her character, Edith Wellspacher, sparked speculation as to her profession – a scientist, doctor, or nurse, perhaps?
Duran then ventured into medieval adaptations with Narcissus and Goldmund (2020), an adaptation of a German novel about a man’s search for meaning. One viewer noted a surprising “Italian vibe” despite the story’s German setting.
Recent Roles and Future Projects
More recently, Duran appeared in The Cursed (2021), a French werewolf thriller set in the 19th century, where she was speculated to play a housemaid. A 1957 period piece saw her in a brief but chic role as an English cleaning lady in Paris, visiting a Dior couture house.
Her most recent work includes Cristóbal Balenciaga (2024), a Spanish TV series about the renowned fashion designer. The series, set in 1937 Paris, has raised questions about the presence of Nazis, potentially indicating a progression into the period of the occupation. The production’s styling, particularly the hats, has been lauded as “SO chic!”
Duran also appears in a TV adaptation of Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, playing Madeleine, a dressmaker and companion to Claudia. She excels in portraying 1940s aesthetics, as evidenced by promotional photos.
Finally, Duran revisited the French court in a bio-series about Marie-Antoinette, reprising her role as the Comtesse de Provence – portrayed as a more antagonistic figure than historical accounts suggest. The series’ initial costume design, featuring “The Weirdest Hair” with asymmetrical rolls and green powder, was a point of discussion, though improvements were noted in the second season. The color-coding of characters, with Duran and her husband consistently dressed in green, added a unique visual element.
With a consistently compelling presence across a wide range of historical settings, Roxane Duran is proving herself to be a dynamic and captivating force in the world of period dramas.
