|
|
 |
| |
Scarlett Johansson in the Other Boleyn Girl |
US girls are Boleyn for England!
THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL
Directed by JUSTIN CHADWICK
Certificate 12a
HEARING the all-American accents and girlish squeals emitted by Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson on their recent promotional whistle-stop tour of our radio airwaves left me with a dark sense of foreboding.
The pair were obviously enjoying themselves hugely, and sounded like cheerleaders from UCLA. In fact Natalie is Israeli-American and Scarlett is vintage New York stock.
Me, I headed for my old school history books to see if I might have got it all wrong. What are two actresses from across the pond doing in this historical saga of intrigue, romance and betrayal in English royal circles?
The story charts the dilemma of Henry VIII (Eric Bana) when faced by not one but two delectable young maidens, each hungry to share both his bed and, more importantly, his throne.
Then I saw the film, and the sun came out again. Their performances (Natalie as dark-haired Anne, Scarlett as flaxen-headed Mary Boleyn) are impeccable, their voices the kind you expect to hear at Cheltenham Ladies College without a hint of a twang.
David Morrissey is outstanding as the scheming Duke of Norfolk, while Ana Torrent radiates regal disdain as Queen Catherine, who cannot bear Henry the son and heir he craves.
This sumptuous and sensual costume drama reveals the sisters’ efforts, driven by their family’s over-riding ambition, to compete for the king’s favour.
In turn, Henry is besotted by them both, and if we hadn’t read those history books the contest would be even more fascinating as the monarch is swayed by their beauty and seductiveness.
He beds them both: Mary first, Anne second. And although we know who will wear the prize wedding ring and, eventually, kneel under the axe in the Tower, it doesn’t detract from the emotional intensity the three bring to their roles.
One could go in for a spot of nit-picking. The sombre interiors become claustrophobic, and the girls often look more like flirtatious teenagers. While the suggestive banter between Anne and the king falls a bit flat. Sample, as they ride to a hunt: The king: “How do you propose to stay on your horse?”
Anne (coy look): “As you do, your Grace. With my thighs!”
But it’s a small price to pay for an entertaining period drama which can take its place among the best that we do so well in this country, whether in a TV series or on the big screen.
One question remains. Maybe next time we can surely search out our own home-grown talent: once you look beyond Keira Knightley and Kate Winslet there must a load of English roses just waiting their chance in the wings.
Let’s go find them. |
 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
