I’ve said many times that Phillippa Gregory is one of my favorite Tudor history fiction writers. She wraps her stories around real people and spins them to create interesting stories. As such, “The Other Boleyn Girl” is hands down my favorite of all of the Gregory books that I have read to date.
I was looking forward to the movie and didn’t get a chance to see it in the theaters. It got mediocre reviews so it didn’t last long on the big screen and faded away with little fanfare after its debut. Regardless, I was happy when the Blu-Ray version arrived in the mail yesterday and decided to watch that instead of the McCain-Obama debate.
I think I’m lucky that I read the book many years ago – the minute details are long gone from my memory and only the general framework of Gregory’s tale remains fresh in my mind. Because of this, I didn’t mind so much when it strayed from her story.
From Amazon.com:
Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) is the doe-eyed vixen ordered by her power-hungry uncle to bewitch King Henry VIII (Eric Bana). Her shy sister Mary (Scarlett Johansson) has always been in Anne’s shadow; Anne is prettier, more accomplished, and desired by many men. So when the King picks Mary–the “other Boleyn girl”–as his mistress, Anne turns on her sister and schemes to become not only the King’s consort, but his new queen.
Now, Mary Boleyn really existed, and really did sire two of Henry VIII’s children, including a son she named Henry. Since she was married to William Carey, however, the king was unable to claim the children as his own. As such, Henry’s first wife’s daughter, Mary, succeeded the throne upon his death, and later, Anne Boleyn’s daughter, Elizabeth, became Queen upon Mary’s death. Elizabeth is considered one of the greatest monarchs ever to sit on the throne, reigning for 45 years. Imagine how different history would have been if Henry HAD claimed Mary’s children as his own and put young Henry Carey on the throne upon his death?
Back to the movie. The movie was diverting enough. Gregory’s historical fiction is exactly that – fiction – but it’s fun fiction. As a fan of all things Tudor, I love her portrayals of the major and minor characters of court life at that time. Natalie Portman does a fine job as Anne Boleyn, and Scarlett Johansson is fine as Mary. However, I agree with some people who thing they should have each switched parts. I didn’t like Eric Bana playing Henry – who was thin, athletic and red-headed. Bana was big, bulky and brunette. BAD casting. At that point in his life Henry was still young, vibrant and athletic. It was AFTER Anne was dead that he suffered an injury that resulted in his inability to exercise like he had previously enjoyed, and he thus began putting on weight. To that end, I would have much preferred Paul Bettany in the role of Henry.
Did I like the movie? Sure. Did I love the book more? Absolutely.
If you’ve seen the movie and not read the book – do yourself a favor and read the book. You’ll love it too.
2 1/2 dastardly Dukes of Norfolk out of five.
Funny you mention Paul Bettany – that’s who I would have cast as King Henry as well.
As for the monarchs who followed Henry…. In reality, one of his later wives did bear him a son, although he was sickly. He was named Henry and became king upon Henry 8’s death. I think he was 13 or 14 at the time. He only lived for a short time after ascending to the throne and upon his death, Princess Mary became Queen. Then Elizabeth.
Jen, you are absolutely right that Edward (Jane Seymour’s son) became King after Henry died. He renounced Mary and Elizabeth entirely, and pronounced Jane Grey has his successor before dying. Jane Grey served just over a week before Mary took the throne. I always forget that part which I shouldn’t because it’s so fascinating.
You’ve got to watch the 2-season series, “The Tudors.” It places more emphasis on Anee and Mary’s father, Thomas, the Earl of Wiltshire.
A must see.
Hmmm, Edward. I really thought his son was named Henry. My bad.
I need to add The Tudors to my queue.
He DID have a son named Henry – two in fact. One by Mary Boleyn, and the other by his other mistress, Mary Fitzroy. Henry VIII attempted to make Henry Fitzroy legitimate through titles, but in the end after Edward was born there was no “need” to legitimize Henry Fitzroy.
Henry Carey (Mary Boleyn’s son by Henry VIII) was an adviser to Queen Elizabeth once she took the throne, as they had grown up together as cousins.
I REALLY need to read that book. I’ve heard such good things about it. When I was in Cincinnati I ‘thought’ I put it on hold at the library but when I went to pick it up it was some teen novel. Oops!
I have been wanting to see that. I will take your advice and read the book!
Melissas last blog post..This ain’t no Ferris Wheel