The Other Boleyn Girl

FLICK The story of Anne Boleyn's rise to become Henry VIII's queen and her eventual beheading is somewhat accessible these days with many versions told in movies and on television. The historical fiction novel The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory, speculates on Anne's relationship with her sister, the lesser-known Boleyn, Mary.
Scarlett Johansson as Mary carries the emotional weight of the picture even in her adulterous scenes with the handsome Eric Bana as Henry VIII who is less a focal point than the sisters. Henry appears to have more of a connection with the fair and sensitive Mary rather than with the darker-haired Anne who uses her wits to snare the crown. Though Mary conceives a son with Henry, the little bastard is not considered royal material and is kept hidden. Natalie Portman's performance is strong as the conniving Anne determined to become Henry's queen. Persuading Henry to leave the Roman Catholic Church to divorce Catherine of Aragon is one thing but a male heir is still what matters most. Anne walks on shaky ground when producing daughter Elizabeth and creating the speculation of incest with brother George (Jim Sturgess).
And it's the speculation of Mary where things revolve. The script by Peter Morgan (The Queen) succeeds when contrasting emotion versus intellect, which Johansson and Portman do very well. But the feeling of passion is lacking overall. Kristen Scott Thomas is memorable as their mother who can't convince the men of the family that lives are being destroyed when trading their daughters for financial reward. Though neither wins only one lives with her head intact. My Score: 7 out of 10.