I knew everybody absolutely tore this movie (and particularly its costumes) to bits, but I kind of wanted to see for myself, so I popped it in my Netflix queue, and Milord and I started watching it tonight.
So I'm looking with a really critical eye, and I'm thinking, "Well, I guess Jodhi May's smock looks a little sloppy there, and I wish one of the men had a high-necked shirt on, but otherwise...?" There were even costume elements that were obviously based directly on period artwork, particularly the Holbein portrait of Katherine of Aragon, and his sketch of the back of a gabled hood. I just didn't see anything I'd describe as an atrocity.
So I'm expressing my perplexity about this to Milord, who says something about it being a TV/BBC production, and I said, "No, it had a theatrical release; I remember the previews."
(Pause)
And then I said, "...And I thought Scarlett Johanson was supposed to be in this movie."
::) Um, yeah. Enter IMDB. Apparently Netflix gave me the 2003 BBC version, staring Jodhi May as Anne and Natascha MacElhone as Mary, NOT the much-maligned 2008 theatrical version with (yes) Scarlett Johanson and Natalie Portman! (Not realizing there were two, I typed "Other Boleyn Girl" and put what it gave me into my queue!)
Anyway, we're about halfway through, and there's something kind of intriguing about it, including (yes!) the costumes! I have been staring at necklines.
Quote from: gem on June 25, 2009, 12:33:44 AM
I have been staring at necklines.
Join the club. ;)
I've not yet seen either, but I think I'd much rather see the BBC version ;)
Aunty Beeb usually does a decent job of the frocks.
I just rented this one myself but between sewing and the kids I have not watched it yet. The newer version was interesting as far as story line but I wasn't impressed by the costuming. I'm hoping this one is better.
I'm wanting to see both. Just havent remembered to pick them up when I go to the store.
The 2003 BBC version of THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL was an extra feature with THE SIX WIVES of HENRY VIII. I perfer this version FAR BETTER!!! The fact that Jarred Harris, son of the late Richard Harris, made a superior Henry VII to Eric Bana's. The portrayal of Anne Boleyn by Jodhi May showed more depth than Natalie Portman's. The costuming, lighting, overall atmosphere was superior to the 2008 version.
Maybe I am spoiled when it comes to history and how it is portrayed. Perhaps as well, the BBC does a better job than Hollywood. That was how I felt about the two ELIZABETH films. While the costuming was stunning, too many liberties were taken with the actual historical facts as to how they happened. ELIZABETH R with Glends Jackson ROCKS!!!
The necklines, or lack of chemise, drove me bonkers too. That's why I refuse to watch The Tudors. The covers of the DVD's I see at the store make me wanna throw up a little.
I did like the stiffness of the bodices. Reminded me of these types of gowns (http://picasaweb.google.com/moltabocca/DressDiaryOfANoviceRenaissanceSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7hssj9q4bC5QE#5145364976762242738).
I actually bought the Boleyn DVD anyway. It's a good story to keep with my collection. In the bonus features, the author says there are only footnotes referencing the existence of Mary. The movie story is mostly conjecture.
But what the hey, it's good for a rainy day. And we've had a lot of those in the East Coast lately.
Lady Kathleen - have I told you lately how much I love you? It needs to be said.
Now I've added these to my wish list:
http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-R-Glenda-Jackson/dp/B00005LC1D/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1245942832&sr=8-21
http://www.amazon.com/Other-Boleyn-Girl-2003-Version/dp/B00114XM04/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1245942907&sr=8-3
Are they the right ones?
When I got The Six Wives for Christmas I was excited to see it came with the BBC Other Boleyn Girl. But it fell flat for me. Neither girl looked how Phillipa Gregory described them and quite frankly it bored me big time.
After I reconciled myself to Natalie Portman playing the villain Anne (as Gregory wrote her, not my opinion) I was very much looking forward to the Hollywood adaptation. But I was disappointed again only this time by how loosely based on the book it was! And how loosely based on actual HISTORY too. And finally...those French hoods...they distracted me the whole time. I'm sorry, I know a lot of people said they were well done and authentic, but they just looked plain wonky to me, every single solitary one. I think the prettiest French hoods in a movie were worn in Anne of the Thousand Days and Elizabeth R. Since they didn't care to keep the history accurate, they could have at least been consistent and left the hoods innacurate (and pretty) too! Scar Jo was a good Mary, I must admit, looked just as I pictured Anne's "milk and honey sister" but Nat was SO not the Anne for me. She was nowhere near as devious as the character in the book, I felt such sympathy for her all throughout that movie, where as the book makes you want to just reach in and throttle her. Because even when she was burdened past her breaking point and constantly working to hide it, she still returned to her room and was horrible to Mary.
I feel like they wasted their shot at bringing this amazing book to the screen. All that said I do own the DVD but I haven't watched it since the theater.
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on June 25, 2009, 09:35:43 AM
The 2003 BBC version of THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL was an extra feature with THE SIX WIVES of HENRY VIII. I perfer this version FAR BETTER!!! The fact that Jarred Harris, son of the late Richard Harris, made a superior Henry VII to Eric Bana's. The portrayal of Anne Boleyn by Jodhi May showed more depth than Natalie Portman's. The costuming, lighting, overall atmosphere was superior to the 2008 version.
Maybe I am spoiled when it comes to history and how it is portrayed. Perhaps as well, the BBC does a better job than Hollywood. That was how I felt about the two ELIZABETH films. While the costuming was stunning, too many liberties were taken with the actual historical facts as to how they happened. ELIZABETH R with Glends Jackson ROCKS!!!
I love Elizabeth R . The costumes are to die for ! Glenda Jackson is an excellent actress. If you like her in Elizabeth R then I highly reccomend that you also pick up the movie " Mary ,Queen of Scots " where Glenda Jackson once again plays Queen Elizabeth, and Vanessa Redgrave plays Mary. Excellent movie. Wonderful costumes. I love the gowns and hats that both actresses wore. In one scence there is a riding outfit that Elizabeth wore that is just stunning !
Another good movie ababout Anne Boleyn is "Anne of the Thousand Days". with Richard Burton.
it was up for 10 academy award nominations including best picture in 1969,when it came out.
Quote from: Artemisia on June 25, 2009, 10:31:49 AM
The necklines, or lack of chemise, drove me bonkers too. That's why I refuse to watch The Tudors. The covers of the DVD's I see at the store make me wanna throw up a little.
I did like the stiffness of the bodices. Reminded me of these types of gowns (http://picasaweb.google.com/moltabocca/DressDiaryOfANoviceRenaissanceSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCN7hssj9q4bC5QE#5145364976762242738).
I actually bought the Boleyn DVD anyway. It's a good story to keep with my collection. In the bonus features, the author says there are only footnotes referencing the existence of Mary. The movie story is mostly conjecture.
But what the hey, it's good for a rainy day. And we've had a lot of those in the East Coast lately.
Lady Kathleen - have I told you lately how much I love you? It needs to be said.
Now I've added these to my wish list:
http://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-R-Glenda-Jackson/dp/B00005LC1D/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1245942832&sr=8-21
http://www.amazon.com/Other-Boleyn-Girl-2003-Version/dp/B00114XM04/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1245942907&sr=8-3
Are they the right ones?
YUP!!! Those are the right ones, Artemisia!!!
ELIZABETH R is the BEST out there on Queen Elizabeth I. The facts, costuming, set Direction are superior to what has come out afterward. The detailing on the costuming is remarkable that many of the gowns that Glenda Jackson wears were done from actual portraits of the Queen herself. Which is why this version is my #1 Fave!!!
Quote from: Artemisia on June 25, 2009, 10:31:49 AM
The necklines, or lack of chemise, drove me bonkers too. That's why I refuse to watch The Tudors. The covers of the DVD's I see at the store make me wanna throw up a little.
But... but half the fun in watching the Tudors is yelling "WTH kind of hat is THAT???!?!?!", or "Why is she wearing that?!?!?!?!?"
Well, that and watching the deliciousness that is Charles Brandon... ;D
I think I need to see the BBC version, because the 2008 version was terrible! It was one of only two movies I've ever seen where I just couldn't wait for them to end. A lot of the costumes were a bit of a joke, especially the French hoods. Although I have to say I was actually imporessed with the early English hood that Mary wears in one scene - a la Anne Cresacre (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0f/Anne_Cresacre,_by_Hans_Holbein_the_Younger.jpg). Also, although I love Natalie Portman, I don't think she's cut out to play a British character. And I wasn't really all that impressed with Eric Bana - he just didn't seem very human (but I loved him in Troy).
One of the things about it that really irked me was that the movie didn't follow either historical events or the book it was based on - I mean, pick one or the other. If you're going to change a movie that's based on a book, at least change it to something recognizable instead of something pretty much just made up. Where in the book did Mary nearly have a miscarriage and have to stay in bed for several months? And what happened to her daughter, who was born before Henry Carey? And what about every other character in the book besides Anne, Henry, and Mary - they were pretty much cut from the movie. I realize the book is wildly inaccurate, but if you're going to base a movie on a book, actually make the movie like the book.
QuoteWell, that and watching the deliciousness that is Charles Brandon... ;D
I second that!
I THIRD that (Charles Brandon). I love The Tudors for the MEN....after all, we ALL know the story, so we aren't watching it for historical enlightenment!! :D
And I did enjoy the HUGE costumes they put on Eric Bana in THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL to make him look portly... the fabrics looked delicious.. and Mama Boleyn's gable hoods were nice, too. The details on the chemises that the women wore for bed and birthing were beautiful...
Oh goodness, you guys are gonna make me watch The Tudors for the comic relief and eye candy, aren't you? ;)
Who us lead an innocent into temptation lol!
I found that I get irritated with the Other Boleyn Girl so I get mad and turn it off.
The Toudors I watch for the the eye candy... is that bad?
Quote from: Adriana Rose on June 25, 2009, 05:28:57 PM
Who us lead an innocent into temptation lol!
I found that I get irritated with the Other Boleyn Girl so I get mad and turn it off.
The Toudors I watch for the the eye candy... is that bad?
Is there another reason? ;) :D
My husband & I refer to it as "the soap opera for Rennies"
I remember renting The Other Boleyn Girl ... I honestly dont think I got 5 minutes into the movie before I turned it off.
Yep those Tudor boys are fun to look at. If I want historical accuracy, I'll watch a documentary. Showtime...bring on the eye candy! :o
The Other Boleyn Girl... it was okay. I read the book... it was okay. Read more like a romance novel to me more than anything. But I think that is what the author was going for.
Now for the other version of the Boleyn Girl... I will have to look that one up. Sounds interesting.
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on June 25, 2009, 09:35:43 AM
The 2003 BBC version of THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL was an extra feature with THE SIX WIVES of HENRY VIII. I perfer this version FAR BETTER!!! The fact that Jarred Harris, son of the late Richard Harris, made a superior Henry VII to Eric Bana's. The portrayal of Anne Boleyn by Jodhi May showed more depth than Natalie Portman's. The costuming, lighting, overall atmosphere was superior to the 2008 version.
Maybe I am spoiled when it comes to history and how it is portrayed. Perhaps as well, the BBC does a better job than Hollywood. That was how I felt about the two ELIZABETH films. While the costuming was stunning, too many liberties were taken with the actual historical facts as to how they happened. ELIZABETH R with Glends Jackson ROCKS!!!
Lady Kathleen, I could not have said this any better myself. I own ALL of the movies mentioned here and feel the same way. I was very disappointed with the 2008 The Other Boleyn Girl. Costuming, script, you name it. The BBC version was much better.
This is making me want to run to my storage unit to dig out Mary Queen of Scots / Anne of the Thousand Days as well as the HBO Elizabeth I so I can hold a huge marathon. :)
Methinks I will pop in the BBC version of THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL tonite while the Earl snores next beside me. :D
Regarding Elizabeth R... Once upon a time, when we were all young, I took a tour of Great Britain through American Express. (Busses, fixed tours, factories, buy something in our Gifte Shoppe...) Mostly interesting, and a highlight of the trip was a run through Statford-Upon-Avon, where, near the Shakespeare house, was a small museum displaying the very! costumes!!! from the BBC production of Elizabeth R.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I cannot add too many !!!!!!
I looked very carefully at the sewing, trimming, fabric choices, and everything, gloating over the colors and shapes, and learning more about how, though not particularly period (Machine sewing, tacking, plastic stuff, glue!), the methods used to construct and embellish the clothes would translate well to accuracy onscreen. How most of the best sewing and embroidery was breast-high and up (Camera close-ups!)
The nice lady in the museum had to warn me three times not to touch. *sigh*
Being in a museum with lovely period clothing is like being a Bull in a China Shop. You cannot resist the temptation to "touch". I would have gotten yelled at as well.
Quote from: Aunty Lou on June 27, 2009, 09:25:35 AM
Regarding Elizabeth R... Once upon a time, when we were all young, I took a tour of Great Britain through American Express. (Busses, fixed tours, factories, buy something in our Gifte Shoppe...) Mostly interesting, and a highlight of the trip was a run through Statford-Upon-Avon, where, near the Shakespeare house, was a small museum displaying the very! costumes!!! from the BBC production of Elizabeth R.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I cannot add too many !!!!!!
I looked very carefully at the sewing, trimming, fabric choices, and everything, gloating over the colors and shapes, and learning more about how, though not particularly period (Machine sewing, tacking, plastic stuff, glue!), the methods used to construct and embellish the clothes would translate well to accuracy onscreen. How most of the best sewing and embroidery was breast-high and up (Camera close-ups!)
The nice lady in the museum had to warn me three times not to touch. *sigh*
Hehehehe, I can imagine that! :D
A Livejournal friend posted about the Elizabeth R. costumes some days ago - apparently many of them has been sold at an auction: http://pinkdiamond.livejournal.com/1094364.html
There's also a *wonderful* research site on one of the dresses here, if anyone is interested:
http://www.naergilien.info/research/london1/Phoenix/index.htm
Did anyone watch The Dutchess? It had the girl from the pirate movies in it as the lead. The story on a whole was rather depressing but the costumes were pretty sweet.
Jon.
*giggle* Yep, I have that one too. I am a sucker for historical films... simply for their costumes.
I must admit, I own that movie. The dresses were just wonderful.
Quote from: LadyShadow on June 28, 2009, 10:19:16 PM
I must admit, I own that movie. The dresses were just wonderful.
Costumes: FANtastic! Very accurate, very beautiful
Story: Meeeh (but it's the first time I've loved Keira Knightley's acting)
I liked the story and own the DVD. I remember the first time I saw it. When Georgiana told Bess Foster, "There are limits to the sacrifices one makes for one's children" I remember uttering along the words with Bess as if I knew the lines, "No, there aren't" .
::leaves Planet Z::
A costume diary is on the DVD as a special feature.
And it's online too:
http://www.theduchessmovie.com/main.html
;D
Personally I didn't like either Boleyn Girl movies.
The version that is on the Six Wives was hard to atch withthe camera diary and then the fast fram of the girl standing outside in the wind and clouds movieing behind her. Just didn't like it.
And the Natalie Portman one... I cannot stand Natalie Portman as an actress. While I like Eric Bana he was in no was akin to King Henry. The costuming while pretty was more Italian meets modern. The whole story was a bit contrived as well and took many liberties from the novel which was different than even history as has been written.
I can overlook a movie for historical inaccuracies as long as they are not over the top or if it is a very compeling story. Gladiator comes to mind there.
And while I do own the Portman "Other Boleyn Girl" I got it as a gift and it is only entertaining to me to laugh at how the costumes look and how the characters are played.
The Tudors is another I cannot stand to watch. They have absolutly the wrong guy to play Henry. Steven wattingham would have been a much better choice. With John Ryhes Myers you might as well have casted Don Knots (RIP) as King Henry.
On a final note why is it Hollywood always portrays Queen Katherine as this very dark haired, dark skin woman who in reality had reddish hair and fair skin (True Spanish line and not mixed with Moor)?
Just my 2 pence worth
QuoteOn a final note why is it Hollywood always portrays Queen Katherine as this very dark haired, dark skin woman who in reality had reddish hair and fair skin (True Spanish line and not mixed with Moor)?
This is one of my pet peeves too, however The Six Wives of Henry VIII seems to have her correct. I find this to be one of the best depictions of Katherine. Even though the whole rest of the movie largely grates on my nerves for other reasons.
QuoteThe Tudors is another I cannot stand to watch. They have absolutly the wrong guy to play Henry. Steven wattingham would have been a much better choice. With John Ryhes Myers you might as well have casted Don Knots (RIP) as King Henry.
MY theory on this is that your modern day audience would never buy into the 1500's appeal of an overweight red headed man, thus they give us JRM so our modern eyes "get" it. I don't mind looking at him ;)
Speaking of THE DUCHESS, this is the one ensemble from the film that I want to make....(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2678/0/115/568686279/n568686279_2814163_4863809.jpg)
With all the lovely gowns in that film, this ensemble really stood out for me. I have several tighter fitting 18th Century Period Coat and Vest patterns that I could tweak for the coat. Fabrics would be a deep Navy Velveteen, an Ivory and Navy piping, Wool for the vest, period buttons, and real fur accents.
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on June 30, 2009, 03:29:36 AM
Speaking of THE DUCHESS, this is the one ensemble from the film that I want to make....(http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2678/0/115/568686279/n568686279_2814163_4863809.jpg)
With all the lovely gowns in that film, this ensemble really stood out for me. I have several tighter fitting 18th Century Period Coat and Vest patterns that I could tweak for the coat. Fabrics would be a deep Navy Velveteen, an Ivory and Navy piping, Wool for the vest, period buttons, and real fur accents.
You can make 2 while your at it as I LOVE that dress.
Make three, make three!
I'm a size 12, and I would love it to look pretty much like the movie one. Thank you.
;D :D
I will say it, I love the Tudors. Love the clothes. The feel of it. Love Henry's shirts that Queen Katherine made for him!
LOL!!! I wish I can duplicate myself!
Lady D and Opera!! You best take a ticket and wait your turn in line!!! ;)
Quote from: callalilly on June 30, 2009, 04:50:55 PM
I will say it, I love the Tudors. Love the clothes. The feel of it. Love Henry's shirts that Queen Katherine made for him!
I must agree. They are beautiful dresses and those shirts were very lovely.
i never saw the BBC version, but did see the Natalie Portman/Scarlet Johannsen one, and I loved the costumes, they were pretty for me :)