the other boleyn girl
***DISCLAIMER***
If you failed history as a kid (or were surprised in Titanic when the boat sank), there could be spoilers ahead for you.
Even though The Other Boleyn Girl received less-than-stellar reviews (the Tomatometer gives it a 39%), I went to see it because I'm a huge fan of the novel. I still am, by the way. Philippa Gregory is a talented storyteller, and I highly suggest you check it out. (The book, I mean.)
In Ms. Gregory's novel, the story is laid out in intricate detail, with two sisters competing for the affections of England's King Henry VIII. We all know it ends badly, but that doesn't matter while you're reading the book--the ups and downs are gripping, and the ending is heartstopping.
Here's the problem: it's quite a monumental task for a movie to capture all that stuff, and still clock in at under two hours. Unfortunately, director Justin Chadwick and screenwriter Peter Morgan just weren't up to the task. In the end, all we get from the movie are things we learned in fourth grade:
You don't really need to see this thing... but please do read the book.
If you failed history as a kid (or were surprised in Titanic when the boat sank), there could be spoilers ahead for you.
Even though The Other Boleyn Girl received less-than-stellar reviews (the Tomatometer gives it a 39%), I went to see it because I'm a huge fan of the novel. I still am, by the way. Philippa Gregory is a talented storyteller, and I highly suggest you check it out. (The book, I mean.)
In Ms. Gregory's novel, the story is laid out in intricate detail, with two sisters competing for the affections of England's King Henry VIII. We all know it ends badly, but that doesn't matter while you're reading the book--the ups and downs are gripping, and the ending is heartstopping.
Here's the problem: it's quite a monumental task for a movie to capture all that stuff, and still clock in at under two hours. Unfortunately, director Justin Chadwick and screenwriter Peter Morgan just weren't up to the task. In the end, all we get from the movie are things we learned in fourth grade:
- Henry VIII was a complete tool.
- Girls can be really mean to each other.
- Anne Boleyn got her head chopped off.
- They wore funny hats back in "olden times".
- Anne Boleyn's daughter Elizabeth grew up to be a great queen (surprise!)
You don't really need to see this thing... but please do read the book.
March 19, 2008 at 1:59 PM
I agree with the 5 main points - particularly number 4 - they seemed really interested in making the hats look like they were from "another time" such that women in that age were just stupid and stole bird houses and put them on their heads. It was entertaining, but definitely disappointing. Check out "The Tudors" instead.
March 19, 2008 at 4:11 PM
I'm waiting for the "Unrated Director's Cut." ;D