The Other Boleyn Girl (2003)

The Other Adaptation

The story of the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn certainly has enjoyed a lot of exposure lately with two years of the Showtime series The Tudors - The Complete First Season full swing and the 2008 Hollywood adaptation of Philippa Gregory's novel, The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Natalie Portman as the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII now released on DVD. With these money-generating Tudor-related vehicles generating such popularity, it comes as little surprise that an older once-televised version is now seeing the light of day. Be that as it may, I have grown weary with the actual telling of the tale in this instance. Or perhaps the fault lies in the production quality of the 2003 BBC version of the same story crafted by Ms. Gregory in her 500+ page novel. Whereas the Hollywood version sparkles with colorful jewel toned sets exemplifying the opulence of King Eric Bana's court and a bevy of model-esque beauties of the blonde, brunette and redhead categories statuesquely adorn the royal auspices of Jonathan Rhys Meyer's Pre-Elizabethan world, this 90 minute drama seems anemically plebian in comparison. Ultimately, however, the main fault seems to be in the selection of the piece's main character.

Although Natascha McElhone plays the part of Françoise Gilot, Picasso's live-in lover in the 1996 film Surviving Picasso with an initial ingénue quality that endears her to an audience anticipating her eventual seasoning as a woman, as Mary Boleyn, married sister of Anne, she fails to exude that fresh je-ne-sais-quoi that allows the Gregory character to win over her readers in spite of her human frailties. As her work in "Ronin" suggests, roles that require a little Mata Hari sophistication fit well with McElhone's physical appearance. However, despite the obvious conniving of the Boleyn family and its domino effect on its two daughters, the character of Mary requires more innocence--a quality Scarlett Johanson's lush renaissance beauty mirrors much better than McElhone's persona that exemplifies the attribute of sharp 21st century savvy.

On the other hand, Jodhi May, as Anne, radiates with a charm that certainly does not originate from her looks alone. At first glance and with the full understanding of the importance of male succession in 16th century life, we wonder how in the world someone as plain as Anne could entice a king away from his Church and his wife. Yet, May pulls this off without a hitch, embodying the enigmatic Anne and her apparent charm from the inside out in a much more subtle manner than the acclaimed Natalie Portman. While Portman projects the ultimate shrew in need of a spanking, only May's blazing eyes convey her wily ambition. Buttressed by her family's desire for power, she diverts from the truth with great finesse that seems second nature.

Jared Harris adequately portrays the young Henry incensed by what he cannot have. Much more low-key than Rhys Meyer's tantrum-throwing monarch, he gives one the sense of strength and confusion that seems appropriate for his predicament as the heirless tyrant.

Bottom line? If the story of Henry VIII and his wives never fails to entertain you, than this adaptation of the Philippa Gregory novel from across the pond may keep you in your seat for its playing time of ninety minutes. However, if you have become accustomed to the beautiful sets and people that populate the Showtime series, `The Tudors' and high profile actors that portray the same characters in Hollywood's version of "The Other Boleyn Girl," you will find this drab BBC presentation wanting in many ways. The technique of having the two main characters look soulfully into the camera and confess their thoughts diary-style breaks rather than sustains the story's momentum. Although a fully accomplished actress with a repertoire of fined performances, Natascha McElhone's Mary does not succeed in fully conveying every nuance of the character as depicted in the book. Recommended only for die-hard Tudor enthusiasts.
Diana Faillace Von Behren
"reneofc"
June 8, 2008

Good BBC Costume Drama

This inexpensive production of The Other Boleyn Girl grows on you. I first got caught by seeing who the actors were, the girl from Californication, and the one from Mansfield Park. I thought I'd watch them and see how the show was. I didn't like it that much at first, but it does grow on you and it is enjoyable. The cheapness of the production and some of the shoddy direction is irritating but you get used to it after awhile and can overlook it. I disliked the "talking heads" voice over style but survived. The story was interesting and I felt that the motivations for Henry's and Anne's attraction was much more believable than any other production I'd ever seen. Anne is deliberately impertinent to the King which he is unused to so he becomes attracted to her. Anne can keep this up only so far. After marrying him and having a daughter, the game begins a new phase. Henry has Anne and begins to look elsewhere. Anne, unused to not having Henry's attention, begins to fight. While her fighting and arguing was attractive before, it no longer is and after having no sons, Anne's fate is sealed. While not perfect, I do recommend this DVD highly and think you'll find it most enjoyable. Stick with it for about 40 minutes or so and you'll be hooked. May 26, 2008

Beautifully Done

This movie is beautifully done; the acting is outstanding. Jodhi May makes a perfect Anne Boleyn. May 14, 2008

Compared to the American version

I feel that this movie, compared to the American version, follows the book a little bit more closely. When I saw the American version, I was appalled at how the movie did not follow the book in any manner. They made it seem like the whole part of history (several years worth) happen in 3 months. I will admit that the book is excellent, so it is hard for any movie adaptation to match up to that caliber. At least this movie tries. April 15, 2008

dissapointed

I had read the book about 6 months ago, I thought it was one of the best books I had read in a long time...My mistake was reading the book first. If I would have known that they were making a movie I would never had read it. The movie was like a short intro to the book. They left out so, so much of the story. Whoever edited that movie should be shot. The rivalry between the sisters was so downplayed. The king being really hurt, getting fatter and uglyer. His real relation with the Queen, etc.

I felt cheated. March 17, 2008

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