In the list of book bestsellers, historical novels are firmly established. One of the most popular works was the work of British writer Philippe Gregory, filmed in 2008.
The film “Another of the Boleyn Clan” tells us about the era of Henry VIII. Most of all, the Tudor monarch was remembered for church reform and six wives.
Back to the past
During the filming, the actors of “Another Boleyn Clan” worked in real English estates and castles, but some interiors had to be reproduced for the sake of authenticity at a studio in London.
To create the costumes, the artist Sandy Powell (winner of two Oscars) was invited, who developed a unique color palette.
In preparation for the shooting, the actors had to learn royal etiquette and manners at the court of the 16th century - all this was possible thanks to the famous specialist Noel Butler.
Not all actors of “Another of the Boleyn Clan” were favorably received by critics. The reason is quite simple - sisters Boleyn Portman Natalie and Scarlett Johansson are not from the UK. However, such comments did not prevent the film from collecting at the box office an amount twice the budget.
“Out of the mud ...”
The Russian Empire, England or France - in all states noble people tried to be closer to the retinue of the ruler. A similar plan was born in the head of the head of the Boleyn family, who learned that the wife of Henry VIII could not give an heir in any way.
At a little advice, it was decided to give the daughter of Anna to the king's mistress, but with close acquaintance he liked the married Mary more. Nobody decided to go against the desires of the monarch, so the family happily exchanged boring village life for intrigue at court.
Relations between Maria and Henry began, and the rejected Anna became the maid of honor of Queen Catherine of Aragon. Soon the lover becomes pregnant, and the sister has a chance to win the attention of the English monarch, and the second time she definitely will not miss him.
Henry VIII
The main role in the film “Another of the Boleyn clan” was given to the Australian star Eric Bana. He took his first steps in acting in one of the pubs in Melbourne, where in 1991 he worked part time in stand-up comedy. Two years later, Eric took part in several television projects and even launched his own show.
A real breakthrough in his career was the role of the criminal in the drama “Inside Look,” thanks to which several prestigious awards appeared in the Australian piggy bank. In 2001, actor Eric Bana takes part in the “Black Hawk” project by Ridley Scott along with George Hartnett and Ewan McGregor. Then, one after another, shooting in the films “Hulk”, “Troy” and “Munich” follows.
Catherine of Aragon
As we already said, it was during the reign of Heinrich that there was a conflict with the Roman Catholic Church, the reason for which was the intention to divorce Catherine of Aragon (actress Ana Torrent). After twenty-four years of marriage, the spouse could not give him an heir, and the “inaccessible” Anna Boleyn demanded that the king legally marry.
After a lengthy process and the Queen's official protest, the court was forced to postpone the trial to Rome, which indicated the defeat of the British ruler. Then Henry's advisers found another solution to the problem - several laws were passed in the country, according to which all church affairs were under the jurisdiction of the king, and the pope’s authority in England no longer had power.
Catherine was separated from her daughter Maria and sent to one of the remote estates. The remaining two years of her life she spent in solitude and died of a serious illness.
The role of Catherine of Aragon was performed by the Spanish actress Ana Torrent. Majestic and graceful - such a audience saw the first wife of Henry, who, unlike other chosen ones, did not lose her head.
Elizabeth Boleyn
The actors “Another of the Boleyn Clan” carefully studied the biography of their characters before filming. So, for example, Elizabeth Boleyn (née Howard) - the mother of Anna and Mary, in her youth was the maid of honor Elizabeth of York. She was considered almost the first beauty at court and was not afraid to marry a man who was lower in social status.
The first years of marriage with Sir Thomas Bolein were complicated by modest means - only 50 pounds a year. Only after the death of his father in 1505, the husband inherited several estates and won the favor of young Henry VIII. Lady Elizabeth herself entered the retinue of Catherine of Aragon.
The role of Elizabeth Boleyn was brilliantly performed by Christine Scott Thomas - the holder of the Order of the Legion of Honor and the Order of the British Empire. The actress has been nominated more than once for the Golden Globe, Cesar, Oscar and BAFTA awards.
Viewers could see Christine Scott Thomas in such famous films as “The English Patient”, “Largo Vincch: The Beginning”, “Fish of My Dreams”, “Become John Lennon” and others.
Maria Boleyn
As we have said, many critics cast doubt on the actors. “Another of the Boleyn family” is a novel about the English monarch Henry VIII, so the choice in favor of American actresses was not favorably received. Nevertheless, the role of the elder sister Mary went to Scarlett Johansson.
The image of Maria Boleyn, invented by Philippe Gregory, has also become a subject of controversy. The audience saw a modest girl who sincerely fell in love with the king. In fact, we do not know much reliable historical facts about Anna's older sister.
Researchers believe that Mary was especially outstanding, who managed to interest the monarchs of two great powers at once - France and England. However, the image of a cute and quiet beauty, skillfully conveyed by Johansson, attracted the audience.
Ann Bolein
Like her older sister, Anna Boleyn (Natalie Portman) received an excellent education. During the father’s diplomatic mission in Brussels, the girls studied at a school, the trustee of which was Margarita of Austria. Young Anna charmed everyone and was invited to the court.
The Boleyn sisters continued their education in Paris, where they were sent as part of the retinue of Maria Tudor, the bride of the French ruler. After the death of Louis XII, the Dowager Queen returned to England, and Anna remained in France for another seven years. The girl perfectly mastered the knowledge of fashion, poetry and art, played several musical instruments and studied French culture, but she was best given the science of flirting.
As for the appearance of Anna, the eyewitnesses did not consider her the first beauty. However, cheerfulness, energy, elegant outfits and the ability to give oneself were not superfluous during the debut at the English court.
The younger Boleyn enjoyed the attention of the fans, but kept rather restrained even with Henry, which caused even more interest. Anna’s further fate is well known to us - she gave birth to a king a daughter, became a victim of political intrigue and was beheaded.
The main role in the film “Another of the Boleyn Clan” went to Natalie Portman. Until 1999, the actress’s career was not bad, but after the shooting of George Lucas and the image of Queen Amidala, Portman was covered by a real wave of fame. After a short study break, Natalie returned and took part in the projects “Intimacy”, “V means vendetta”, “Paris, I love you” and “Ghosts of Goya”, and in 2008 the film “Another Boleyn Family” was released "
According to the audience, Portman managed to show the whole kaleidoscope of emotions: love and envy, confusion, guilt, shock and sincere horror. Thus, from the first to the last scene, the controversial image of Anna Boleyn was created.
George Boleyn
Queen Anna was never able to give England an heir, so Henry began to look for a reason for divorce. The woman was accused of witchcraft, high treason and incest with her own brother.
According to critics, the role of George Boleyn brilliantly performed by actor Jim Sturgess. The only son of Elizabeth Howard and Thomas Boleyn was a loving brother and sincerely worried about the fate of Mary, and then Anna, and helped to arrange a divorce between Henry and Catherine of Aragon.
However, after several years his merits were forgotten. George Boleyn, along with five young men, was charged with conspiracy against the king and ties to Anna, and then beheaded.