Dir: Justin Chadwick
Starring: Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana
Adapted from Philippa Gregory’s immensely popular novel of the same name and previously filmed by the BBC, The Other Boleyn Girl is a solid addition to the Tudor costume-drama cannon. Historical accuracy of little import, we watch as Henry VIII (Bana), historically famed for his vociferous spousal appetite, is driven mad by love and desire for Mary (Johansson) and Anne Boleyn (Portman).
It is not the romantic rivalry of the sisters, one half of each other as Mary describes, that propels the narrative, but rather their separate efforts to secure future happiness and position for themselves, in the face of patriarchal manipulation. Whilst not quite a feminist revisionist piece, these women are no fawning damsels.
This is overwhelmingly thanks to Portman and Johansson, who carry the film. Bana simply cannot compete, his Henry lacking the powerful gravitas of a King willing to sunder his country for sex. The occasionally lacklustre script doesn’t help, although Chadwick’s direction is noteworthy. Shooting angry skies from low angles to cloak scenes in foreboding and panning from behind pillars and doors, he creates an effectively furtive mood. Despite the broad timeframe, the pace never falters.
There’s little pause for exposition, however, and a major problem arises through the sidelining of Henry’s decision to split with Rome and its ostensibly serious repercussions. His declaration, “I have torn this country apart for you!” may provoke bewildered response.
The filmmakers have US audiences in mind as they hinge emotional pay-offs on viewers’ historical ignorance. As most UK cinemagoers already know Anne’s fate, the drama occasionally falls flat. In this sense the epilogue is just laughable (you’ll never guess who baby Elizabeth grows up to be!). Consequently, though the film is well made and gallops by at an enjoyable pace, it is unlikely to sear the memory.
7/10
Out Friday
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