Strong, Sexy, Captivating Film

Rating: 8/10 (29 September 2008)

Two stunningly beautiful English ladies who happen to be sisters compete for the affections of England's notoriously lusty King Henry VIII. Dark-eyed Natalie Portman plays Anne Boleyn, the "bad" sister who takes what she wants and says whatever outrageous thing pops into her head. Blonde and soft-spoken Scarlett Johansen plays blue-eyed Mary Boleyn, a sweet, submissive young girl who falls sincerely for the king and is unable to endure the cruelty of the court.
I was blown away by Natalie Portman in this movie. I have enjoyed her work in films like GARDEN STATE, but I thought of her as a sort of light, non-threatening girl next door type. It's amazing to see her give a performance worthy of Bette Davis at her greatest! Natalie makes Anne Bolyen into the darkest, most desperate, most desirable screen siren I have ever seen. Her emotions are so electric they sizzle and crackle in every scene! "I cannot sleep . . . if I cannot sleep I cannot think . . . it becomes ever harder to arouse him and the measures I take always disgust him more each time!"
Scarlett Johansen is radiant as Mary, who is so meek and gentle that it's easy to underestimate her character at first. But by the end of the film it's clear that Mary is not only a survivor, she is a strong woman capable of compassion even for the sister who has wronged her so many times.
The only complaint I have about this film is that Eric Bana gives a somewhat lifeless and timid performance as the robust, charismatic Henry VIII. I have enormous respect for Eric Bana. I thought he was brilliant in BLACK HAWK DOWN, even with a very small part. And I thought his performance in TROY saved the picture. But although he can be brilliant as a decent, honorable man of principle, he really doesn't seem to be ready to tap in the truly nasty side of human nature. The real Henry was a liar, a manipulator, a bully, and at times almost a psychotic personality. None of that comes across here. Henry seems like a shallow cad, not a terrifying monster. Given Eric Bana's talent, I suspect the real problem is that the film makers feared a strong King Henry would overshadow the conflict between the two stunning leading ladies. It's a regrettable mistake, but THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL is still a strong, sexy, captivating film.