Ammonite director defends film plot

Ammonite reportedly follows an intense relationship between Anning, played by Kate Winslet, and Frances Bell, played by Saoirse Ronan.

While speculation over the film grows, director Francis Lee took to Twitter.

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Lee tweeted: ‘After seeing queer history be routinely ‘straightened’ throughout culture, and given a historical figure where there is no evidence whatsoever of a heterosexual relationship, is it not permissible to view that person within another context? Particularly a woman whose work and life were subjected to the worst aspects of patriarchy, class discrimination and gender imbalance.

‘As a working class, queer film maker, I continually explore the themes of class, gender, sexuality within my work, treating my truthful characters with utter respect and I hope giving them authentic respectful lives."

Traditional ship ‘Irene’, a100ft sailing ketch, arrived for filming at Lyme Regis harbour on Tuesday, much to the delight of visitors to the town.

Filming will continue between March 27 and March 29.