Backstabbing Boleyn-style
by Helen Macrae
Nothing like a good old bodice-ripper on a Monday evening. When we went to see “The Other Boleyn Girl” (starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana) I was half-expecting yet another plodding historical drama, but instead was pleasantly surprised when the film turned out to be more like an episode of Jerry Springer from the 16th century. The film (”Las Hermanas Bolena” in yet another bizarre example of Spanish film title translation) is an adaptation of the book of the same name by Philippa Gregory, and is a tale of romance, intrigue and backstabbing set against a defining moment in British history.
Portman and Johansson play sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn, who are suddenly thrust from their quiet existence in the country into the world of London court life by their ambitious father, in the hopes of attracting the attentions of the King. Both actresses do a sterling job, especially Portman, who for the most part comes across as a complete and utter bitch who will stop at nothing until she is Queen of England. Eric Bana on the other hand plays a macho and rather unsympathetic Henry Tudor who will do anything to get Anne into bed (creating the Church of England, anyone?).
Although certain historical elements are glossed over, such as religion and the break with the Catholic Church, director Justin Chadwick manages to create a cohesive and enjoyable film, beautifully produced and clocking in at just under two hours running time (perhaps just a little bit too long?). For those of you who remember the “divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived” rhyme from school, you can probably guess what happens at the end, but this only adds to the drama!