Analysis: The Other Boleyn Girl
A tale of two sisters? A story of ambition? Or a story of how women have historically secured a future despite men’s ambition? In short, yes. The Other Boleyn Girl follows the Boleyn family from relative obscurity, to being one of the most famous names in British history.
The story begins with King Henry Tudor (Eric Bana) no longer finding favor with the queen due to her inability to produce a male heir. The Boleyn family, being one of the first to know this, send their daughter Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman) to try to seduce the king so that she may become his mistress, securing their family’s position in his court. The king instead initially finds favor with Anne’s sister, Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) who is already married to another, William Carey (Benedict Cumberbatch). From there, the story takes off as it follows these two women and their relationship with the king.
Released in 2008, The Other Boleyn Girl is ridiculously well cast. While Natalie Portman was already well known circa 2008, this film also had Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlet Johannsson, and Eddie Redmayne in their cast before they all became household names. While Johansson, Cumberbatch, and Redmayne are now well known for their own franchises, this film reminds viewers that these actors are not only fandom icons, but also highly skilled actors.
Cumberbatch’s William Carey has about three lines in the whole film and is not overly noticeable, which is by design. Carey is married to Mary Boleyn, but after she finds favor with the king, he is quickly put on a privy council, and essentially never heard from again. Cumberbatch has a strong presence when on screen, but, much like his character, is quickly forgotten about, except for when watching Mary’s interactions with the king, and going “um, surely her husband is not okay with this?” Apparently he was, as we never heard from him again.
Redmayne’s William Stafford was also a minor character but an important one. Receiving a little more screen time than Cumberbatch, Redmayne demonstrated his ability to be the lovable steadfast character. This was much needed in this film as he becomes the confidant of Mary, and provides her a safe haven when she eventually leaves the king’s court. While I am not a fan of Redmayne in general, I cannot deny, in regards to Mary’s journey, he plays a pivotal role, and gives a heartwarming performance.
The story centers around Portman’s Anne and Johansson’s Mary, and their relationship. While both lives revolve around the king, the most interesting part of the film is their relationship and how they deal with court life. Mary and Anne are opposite sides of the same coin. While Anne is ambitious and cunning, Mary is submissive and narrow minded. As anyone with sisters knows, a contrast is evident in almost any sister relationship. And while Portman and Johansson do not look like sisters, they do emulate that bond. Throughout the film, Anne is an active participant in her own story. After the plan to seduce the king is presented to her, she actively uses her wiles to ensure that happens. Even after Mary finds favor instead, she searches the king’s court and makes sure to secure her future with another nobleman. While that plan does not ultimately work, Anne is always taking charge of her own life. Mary, on the other hand, is more passive in her own story. The king’s favor essentially falls into her lap. Once she loses favor, she leaves seemingly without a fight. The only active part she takes in her story is deciding to marry Stafford against her families’ wishes, and taking Anne’s child, Elizabeth, to protect the future queen from court life. While both so different, they are both loyal to each other above all else in the end. Now, that isn’t to say there isn’t plenty of backstabbing with a dash of pettiness thrown in, but that only helps sell the two actresses as sisters.
Natalie Portman & Scarlett Johansson in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
In regards to cinematography and wardrobe, everything is perfectly balanced for historical accuracy, while not being so overbearing to take away from the characters. A majority of the film has almost a drab blue/gray hue. This sets the tone for the film. Set in England, which is well known for being overcast and rainy, the blue/gray hues transport the audience to 16th century England and helps them feel like they are experiencing the story with the characters.
The costume design feels more in line with a period piece than most films. The women’s dresses have a heavier cloth, and more modest cut, while the men have to endure the poofy sleeves and equally heavy tunics. Some films over-exaggerate the fashion of the day, alienating the audience. Other films make the clothes too modern, telling the audience to not take the story too seriously. The Other Boleyn Girl instead strikes the balance between historical accuracy, while not bringing every fashion trend of the time into the movie. All of this cements the viewer into the world of 16th century England, and allows them to better understand the world of these characters.
While the costume and tone is historically accurate, there are many historical facts that are inaccurate. However, the film still weaves a captivating story. Following the two sisters from their youth through their lives in court, and then their ultimate end, the film never fails to keep the audience engaged. The dialogue keeps the audience engaged by striking the balance between the old English cadence, a subtle modern twist, and a wit that shows how women used more than their appearance to attract men. Through the story, you also get to see a more in depth look at court life. Shows like the CW’s Reign show a highly glamorized look at court life, filled with more modern clothes, brighter halls, and love around every corner. The Other Boleyn Girl shows the more political side of court and how families maneuvered their way in and out of court and the King’s favor.
Natalie Portman and Eric Bana in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
If you are looking for an engaging period piece that doesn’t take the viewer for granted, The Other Boleyn Girl is for you. Too many period pieces choose to move the story at a historically slow pace, and use an English dialect so old, the viewer can’t follow the story. This film instead strikes the balance. The film takes its time to know the characters and bask in the story that has captivated people for centuries, while not slowing down so much you feel like you are reading the dictionary. The dialect balances between using Old English to add more historical accuracy, while not making it so old, the viewer won’t know what is happening. Nary a “thus” nor “thou” to be seen in this film. Watching these actors, you can understand why so many of them have won Academy Awards and other prestigious titles. Even at the beginning of many of their careers, through the body language, facial expressions, and chemistry, you truly feel like you are a fly on the wall to one of the greatest stories ever told.