Anne of the Thousand Days
It takes a remarkable woman to
stand up to a king, and Anne Boleyn was undoubtedly the most
remarkable of all such women. The passionate, stormy, and ultimately
tragic marriage of Anne Boleyn to Henry VIII is depicted in this
exquisite film, based on the play by Bridget Boland, and directed
by Charles Jarrott (Mary, Queen of Scots).
The story opens as Henry VIII, grown weary of his barren wife
Catherine of Aragon, eyes Anne from afar and determines to make
her his bride. Henry overcomes many obstacles to achieve this
end, including the disapproval of Sir Thomas More and the refusal
of the Pope to grant a divorce. However, no adversary proves
as intractable as Anne herself, who greets the king's advances
with outright scorn and disdain.
Henry VIII was certainly the most vile of all English monarchs,
and Richard Burton unashamedly plays Henry as the vain, gluttonous
rake that he was. But despite his unseemly exterior, the king
eventually reaches Anne's heart, and, in time, she returns his
love. Henry's ogreish manner is not quelled by domestic bliss,
however. The king blames Anne for the birth of an unwanted daughter
(Elizabeth) and a succession of stillborn sons, and soon begins
to sour on his queen.
As Anne, Genevieve Bujold is utterly arresting, her performance
one of fire and passion. Anne is not fearful and compliant like
so many others who surround the king. But her assertion ultimately
cannot save her from Henry's desire to be rid of her. Unable
to divorce Anne like he did Catherine, Henry simply has her beheaded.
The supporting cast is no less outstanding, featuring Irene Papas
as Catherine, Anthony Quayle as Cardinal Wolsey, and John Colicos
as the treacherous and manipulative Lord Cromwell, who connives
to secure Henry's divorce.
Georges Delerue's passionate score is another outstanding element,
adroitly blending romantic and renaissance styles and instruments.
The film also makes an interesting companion piece to A Man For
All Seasons (which covers many of the same events, but from the
perspective of Thomas More and Lord Cromwell). Tragic and passionate,
Anne of the Thousand Days is a magnificent story of a remarkable
woman, as well as a powerful depiction of the often tragic (and
sometimes deadly) game of royal matchmaking.
Paul Andrew MacLean
Shelton CT 06484 USA
(800) 232-2224 voice
(800) 775-2729 fax
LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com