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The Other Boleyn Girl

Federico Cannizzo

Created on January 9, 2024

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Transcript

The Other Boleyn Girl

Ambition, Love, and Intrigue at the Court of Henry VIII

introduction, director and actors

“The other Boleyn girl” is a dramatic movie directed by Justin Chadwick and released in 2008. The Subject is taken from the novel written Philippa Gregory know precisely for her historical books. The plot revolves around the lives of Anne and Mary Boleyn, two sisters who lived with England’s king Henry the eighth. These characters have forever marked the history of England in fact king Henry decided to cancel his marriage with Catherine in order to marry Anne. This decision caused the break with the catholic church and the birth of the anglican church. To tell the story in the best way prominent actors were chosen: Anne Boleyn is played by Natalie Portman, a great actress known for her roles in movie like Brothers and Black Swan (metti qualche secondo di tutti i film che elenco), Mary is played by Scarlett Johansson known for Match Point (metti la scena iniziale), Lost in translation and like Black Widow in Marvel movies. The other actors are Eric Bana who played King Henry and Jim Sturges who played George Boleyn.

Hystorical context

Set during the reign of King Henry VIII, the movie captures the political maneuvering within the royal court as various factions vie for influence. The Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne, find themselves entangled in the web of courtly politics, where alliances and betrayals shape their destinies.The historical context is crucial to understanding the film, as it unfolds against the backdrop of the English Reformation. King Henry VIII's desire for a male heir leads to his break with the Catholic Church, establishing the Church of England and forever altering the religious landscape of England. This tumultuous period saw the dissolution of monasteries, the rise of Protestantism, and profound shifts in power dynamics.

Temporal Setting and Main Locations

Royal Castles: The story unfolds in various royal castles, including Greenwich and Hampton Court. These castles were not only royal residences but also political and social centers where important court events occurred.

The film is set in the 16th century, specifically during the reign of Henry VIII, who ruled England from 1509 to 1547. This period is marked by significant historical events, including the separation from Rome and the establishment of the Anglican Church Here there are the 3 main locations we see in the film:

English Court: Much of the plot takes place within the English court, where political intrigues, alliances, and forbidden loves intertwine. The court serves as a hub of power and intrigue, where decisions influence the fate of the kingdom.

Churches and Chapels:Given the historical context of the separation from Rome and the formation of the Anglican Church, churches and chapels are significant locations in the plot, reflecting the religious tensions of the time.

the plot

The plot begins with the introduction of the Boleyn family, a noble English family. Anne, the older sister, is chosen to become the mistress of King Henry VIII, played by Eric Bana, with the aim of winning his favor and guaranteeing political advantages for the family. However, when Mary appears at court, the king falls in love with her, creating tension between the two sisters.The major turning point occurs when Anne manages to win Henry's heart, pushing Mary into the background. Anne becomes queen and begins a series of events that will change the course of history. The rivalry between the two sisters increases, leading to intrigue, betrayal and political manipulation. The film also explores the theme of religion, as Anne Boleyn converts to Protestantism, causing tensions with the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Political and religious tensions culminate in Anne's trial and execution for treason and adultery.

Throughout the film, Anne undergoes a profound transformation from a woman seeking love to a shrewd political player. Her wit and cunning maneuvering within the court reveal her determination to secure a position of authority, even at the cost of personal relationships. Portman's performance captures the complexity of Anne's character, portraying both her vulnerabilities and the strength that propels her through the tumultuous events.

The main characters

Anne Boleyn (Natalie Portman): Anne is portrayed as a charismatic and ambitious woman whose intelligence and charm captivate King Henry VIII. As the elder Boleyn sister, she initially encourages Mary's courtship with the king to elevate their family's status. However, Anne's own desires for power and influence take center stage as Henry becomes enamored with her.

King Henry VIII (Eric Bana):King Henry VIII is depicted as a charismatic and powerful ruler whose need for a male heir shapes the course of the narrative. Bana's portrayal captures the king's charm, charisma, and the internal struggles he faces due to political pressures and personal desires. Henry's decisions, including his desire to annul his marriage and marry Anne, set off a chain of events that reverberate through the court and impact the lives of those around him.

The film portrays Henry's complex relationships with both Mary and Anne, emphasizing the political and personal implications of his choices. His character explores the tension between duty and desire, shedding light on the challenges faced by a monarch navigating the intricate web of courtly politics.

Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson):Mary serves as the audience's entry point into the story. Initially, she is portrayed as a more innocent and naive character compared to her sister Anne. Mary's involvement with King Henry begins as a means to secure the Boleyn family's position, but as she becomes emotionally entangled with the king, her character undergoes significant development.

Johansson's performance captures Mary's internal conflict as she grapples with loyalty to her family, her own desires, and the moral implications of her choices. Mary's journey becomes a poignant exploration of the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of power and survival within the treacherous world of the Tudor court.

second characters

Lady Elizabeth Boleyn: Mother of Anne and Mary, she is involved in family strategy and court politics.

Here there are the secondary characters of the film:

Sir Thomas Boleyn: Father of Anne and Mary, he is an ambitious man seeking to advance his family’s social position through his daughters.

William Carey: Mary Boleyn’s husband, initially chosen as the lover of Henry VIII. His life is influenced by the dynamics of the court.

George Boleyn: Brother of Anne and Mary, he is involved in court and the intricate web of the Boleyn family’s relationships.

Catherine of Aragona: Catherine is shown as a woman devoted to her marriage to Henry VIII and deeply committed to her role as queen. She is portrayed with a sense of grace, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to her beliefs, particularly her staunch Catholic faith.

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey: An influential advisor to Henry VIII, he plays a key role in the political and romantic affairs of the king.

key themes

As mentioned above, the purpose of the movie is to make known to the general public the history of the royal family and the Boleyn sisters, because this was a delicate and important period for contemporary history. Through the eyes of the two sisters the film tries to retrace some fundamental episodes of English history staging them in a modern way trying to attract the viewer. In fact, the movie highlights the dramatic and family aspects in order not to get stuck in the historical details.

Hystorical errors

In fact, to highlight the human events of the protagonists the film stumbles in some historical errors: -A character talked about the Duchy of Northumer' Land that will be born years later with Edward the son of Henry. -In the movie Anne is described as the older sister, but in reality she was Mary’s younger sister. -It places Anne's time in the French court after her involvement with Percy, something that occurred before the affair. -Still in the movie, Thomas Boleyn stated Anne was in France for a couple months. In real life Anne was in France for seven years.

conclusion

This movie is a perfect starting point to appriciate the history of the Boleyn and the Royal family. In facts, despite some mistake the goal of the movie is to make everyone know this important historical period through the events of the characters and it does it optimally!

Thank you for your attention!!!

go watch the movie !!!