Tag Archives: the other boleyn girl

Anne Boleyn’s Changing Reputation

Catherine StrawnApril 3, 2008 //

Who was Anne Boleyn, exactly? Whoever she was, she is portrayed differently according to the time period, writes University of Kentucky professor Susan Bordo in the Chronicle Review. Back in the early 20th century, Bordo says that Anne was depicted as a martyr to Henry and his quest for a male heir. These days, in this “post-feminist” era, Anne can be depicted not as a victim, but as a sly, sexual woman. That’s why in both The Tudors on Showtime and The Other Boleyn Girl, Anne is portrayed as a seductress. She wears dresses “designed more for a Pussycat Doll than a Tudor queen,” Susan writes. (We’re not sure the Pussycat Dolls would wear anything made with that much fabric, but we get your point, Susan.) Apparently, this rendition isn’t too far from what people in her own time period thought of her, because her enemies called her “the Great Whore.” [Newswise] Keep reading »

We See Chick Flicks: The Other Boleyn Girl

Lesley SavageMarch 13, 2008 //

The Other Boleyn Girl
Starring Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana
Based on the book by Philippa Gregory
The Lowdown: Based on the bestselling historical fiction/chick-lit novel by Philippa Gregory, The Other Boleyn Sister is the story of two sisters who bed and wed Henry VIII (a brooding Eric Bana), in an effort to secure their family’s social rank and fortune. There’s Anne (Natalie Portman), the older, wilder and modern-ahead-her-time sister, and there’s Mary (Scarlett), A.K.A “The Other Sister,” who is more servile and caring. Mary’s nurturing, sweet nature eventually lures the King in and the two have a passionate, but brief love affair that results in a son. Keep reading »

The Other Boleyn Girl Is Not Suitable For Kids

Amelia McDonell-ParryMarch 3, 2008 //

This weekend Lesley and I went to see The Other Boleyn Girl (“We See Chick Flicks” review will appear later this week!). At one point during the movie, during the scene where Henry VIII rapes Anne Boleyn (sorry to give that spoiler away!), we heard a little girl, no older than 8, I swear, exclaim, “Mommy, what’s he doing?!” For this reason, and the million bodice-ripping love scenes in the film (not to mention a beheading or two), moms shouldn’t bring their little ones to the theater for this flick. Just in case you thought otherwise. Keep reading »

Scarlett and Natalie Act Like Sisters

SimchaFebruary 13, 2008 //

Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman are BFF’s! To promote their new movie, The Other Boleyn Girl, in which they play sisters who vie for the love of King Henry VIII, they’ve been hitting the talk show circuit together. On The Today Show, while being interviewed by Matt Lauer, these gal pals kept giving each other sideways glances and then giggling, which we all know is girl code for “you’re my bestie” and “we totally have to rip on this later.” The pretty pair shares more than laughs, they’re together, all vamped up, on the cover of W magazine this month. While the picture will give your boyfriend something to lust after, their interviews will make you fall in love! Despite how perfectly cool they look and act, when they talk to each other, like any good girlfriends, their endearing insecurities come out. Scarlett says she’s sick of being called a “ho-bag” ever since she told Allure that gets tested for AIDS every six months and Natalie laments that she thinks people perceive her as boring. “I don’t think you’re boring,” Scarlett quickly reassures her. “Thanks, I appreciate that,” Natalie replies. Aw, that’s what friends are for. Their real dialogue is better than the movies! Although we definitely can’t wait to see them together on the big screen. [W Magazine] Keep reading »

Who Wore It Better: Ugly Betty Or The Other Boleyn Girl?

Catherine StrawnJanuary 28, 2008 //

When I first saw the poster for the movie The Other Boleyn Girl with Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, and Jim Sturgess, I thought, Wow. That necklace looks really familiar. And that it came to me — it’s Ugly Betty’s necklace! But upon further research, I learned that the necklace worn by Ugly Betty (and now Natalie Portman’s character, Anne Boleyn), is in fact a replica of a necklace worn by the real Anne Boleyn way back in the day. Get your own at Parrish Relics. Keep reading »