Historian Rates TOP 5 Best Anne Boleyn on Screen
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- čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
- Hi, I'm Dr Estelle Paranque, and in this History Police video, I'm rating my TOP 5 Best Anne Boleyn on Screen.
Let me know in the comments what you think.
Please don't forget to check out my forthcoming book:
Thorns, Lust & Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn (out on 2 May 2024 in the UK)
Pre order here:
lnk.to/ThornsLustandGlory
E - Zábava
I loved Genevieve's performance as Anne but I think for me Natalie Dormer takes the cake. She just brought so much beautiful emotion and complexity to Anne and I LOVE how she fought to have Anne not be so sexualised by the second season and to focus more on her charitable and religious pursuits. I have a lot of respect for Natalie for doing that. Great video Estelle!
My favorite Anne will always be Natalie Dormer. She IS Anne for me. She was my introduction to Anne and she made me fall in love with her, so she will always be my favorite. I also very much appreciate the amount of effort that she put into the role. She treated Annes memory with the respect it deserves and not just a part to play and I really respect that.
It's very difficult to split any of these ladies.Good script writing will bring out a performance, not always the case. For me, Natalie Dormer was outstanding. Her ways , her narrative, her guile, and charm. Thanks Estelle, great video 😊
Well said! Thank you for being here!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Definitely Genevieve! As soon as anyone says who is the Anne Boleyn you think of, it’s her. “Elizabeth shall be Queen!” 💕
My number one is Natalie Dormer. Always will be.
She had such a unique way about her as Anne. I´d like to think this was the kind of woman Anne was.
Me too
Natalie Dormer studied the real Anne Boleyn extensively before she auditioned for "The Tudors". And Natalie nailed it. I also loved Natalie in "The Game of Thrones".
Nobody’s gonna stand up for the Queen Claire Foy !!!! I was shook by her performance lol they all did great though
I totally agree
Geneieve Bujold's line in the tower to Henry cemented her as the best onscreen Anne to me, even though it's not historically accurate.
Agree 100% Genevieve is my favourite Anne Boleyn. A stunning performance.
Agree 100 %!!
When I think about Anne Boleyn the picture that comes to mind is Natalie Dormer and ive read a lot of books and seen all the movies and series about her ,loved it and was so emotional when watched the Tudors ..she is obviously my fave 😍🤩
As much as the scene where Anne tells Henry that her blood will be well-spent as Elizabeth will become Queen definitely didn't happen, Geneviève Bujold plays it so well it just imprinted itself in my brain ever since. I hope she got an Academy Award nomination for that scene.
Bujold did actually get Oscar Nominated, but she lost to Dame Maggie Smith's performance in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.
@@eamonndeane587 I know! What I meant is that I hope the reason why she got nominated was for that scene specifically.
Totally agree!
so glad to see you have genevieve bujold's anne on the top of your list (she very much is on mine too next to natalie dormer), i have a soft spot for anne of a thousand days, and having visited hever castle for the first time a few months ago i immediately recognised where some of the scenes in the film were shot
I visited Hever in the 1990s on my own, I just made my way there by train, wasn’t part of any tour. It was so special finding my way there and taking my time to explore and absorb it. A very special place indeed.
I love this video!!! Yes Genevieve Bujold IS Anne Boleyn...!!! She captures her fire, her passion, as well as her sweetness and sensitivity.... My favorite scene is before their marriage, theyve been talking into the night, and she announces shes going to bed... alone!! I still dont know where she was the one aiming for the throne all along, or if Henry suggested marriage as a ploy to get her into bed... its soo audacious if it came from Anne, but such a desperate ploy by Henry.... hard to say!!! Thanks for the great videos.... please keep them coming!!!
😘😘😘
Claire Foy and Dorothy Tutin are faves of mine. Claire’s chemistry with her Henry makes you believe their passion would destroy things.
Yes was disappointed that Claire Foy was in the top 5!
Claire Foy...HANDS DOWN!!
Natalie Dormer will always be my Anne Boleyn ❤
I definitely agree with your top 2 picks. I especially like Natalie Dormer's portrayal of Anne in Season 2, and I love the actress for her commitment to playing an Anne who wasn't just a scheming seductress. Her chemistry with Jonathan Rhys Meyers also helped; to me those two did the best job of portraying the toxic passion between Anne and Henry. Genevieve Bujold isn't quite my perfect Anne because the character as written doesn't quite have the sophistication I believe Anne to have possessed, but Genevieve does a brillliant job of bringing out Anne's feisty, passionate, reckless side. This is an Anne who totally could have written that letter from "The Lady In The Tower" (which probably is a forgery but that's a topic for another video ... would love to know what you think ...)
I am not crazy about Helena Bonham Carter or Natalie Portman's performances, even though I love both actresses, simply because the scripts are so bad. I totally agree about "The Other Boleyn Girl" being a wasted opportunity; Natalie Portman could have been an incredible Anne if she'd been given a better script. She looks the part, and she has the acting range to do justice to Anne's complexity.
I am glad you gave a shout-out to Raffaelle Cohen--I loved her too. I think she brought out Anne's sophistication, and I loved the scenes between her and her brother George.
I love Rafaelle. Such a nice person too!
Thank you for being here as usual! So grateful for you! 🥰
My two favorite portrayals are definitely Genevieve Bujold and Natalie Dormer. Genevieve was so sweet and showed Anne's feisty side well. Natalie Dormer gave her depth and complexity. I loved seeing them both as mothers to Elizabeth. ☺
Yes they’re really good honestly!!! 🥰🥰🥰
Genevieve Bujold is my Favourite Anne Boleyn, with Natalie Dormer in a close second position. Merle Oberon holds a place in my heart, only because she was so physically lovely. Thank you for a well-analyzed video!
I would swap your number 2 with 1, Natalie just took the Anne Boylen character (as we know her) to another level!
My number one is Natalie Dormer, no one else comes close. The full spectrum of emotions she depicted (and elicited in the audience - you could love her in one scene, hate or pity her in another etc.), the charm, the wit, the character complexity, the fiery temperament, her chemistry with the rest of the cast - her performance was a masterclass in acting. And yes, her portrayal included layers of playfulness and seduction that I think added depth and balance to her performance rather than detract from it.
Genevieve Bujold is the best Anne Boleyn, full stop! Good choice! 👍 🤩
I just discovered your videos and wow!! I love them - finally found someone who loves Anne as much as me ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Oh bless you! I’m glad you’re here! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Next make top actress who played Elizabeth I❤
Coming first Friday of March! 🙏🏻🥰
@@ElleHistory can’t wait❤️
Yes, please! For me, Glenda Jackson has yet to be topped, though I did enjoy Anne Marie Duff and Cate Blanchett.
Sorry I am behind on your vids. Natalie Dormer, hands down, Micheal Hirst said that she added so much to the script. She did a huge amount of historical research, and kept bringing certain historical facts back to Mr Hirst that he added to his script, and her character. Thank you for your great posts, and I can not wait to binge what I have missed.
thank you for being here!
My favorite Anne Boleyn is " Natalie Domer". She brought a lot of determination, as well as hurt person when she realized henry didn't want her around anymore. As well Dormer was my first Anne I saw on screen, meaning she is the one who really got me into the history of the Tudors as well. As well Dormer was the one who made her Anne have the famous dark hair. Originally the producers wanted her blonde. which she said she wouldn't do the role if they didn't let her dye her hair dark, because much of what is written or said about the real Anne is she had dark brown to raven black hair. I thought that was a fun as well badass fact. lol
Charlotte Rampling who played Anne in the film version of the 1972 Masterpiece Theater” production of “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” (that featured Keith Michel as my favorite Henry) is my favorite Anne. She’s witty, acerbic, incredibly intelligent, provocative and absolutely beguiling to Henry. For the only time in a film or TV production did I feel that someone actually became Anne. My other 2 favorites are Clair Foy and Genevieve Bujold. Mix their 2 performances together and you have Rampling’s fascinating one.
Keith Michel is my favorite Henry, too! Oops, I answered myself.😩
Mine is Merle Oberon in 'The Private Life of Henry VIII' with Charles Laughton.
Definitely, Natalie Dormer was #1 for me.
I toss between Genvevieve and Dorothy Tutin as my favorite portrayals of Anne Boleyn. I absolutely love Anne of a Thousand Days and I think Genevieve checked all the boxes when she did this role. She was smart, she was clever and she had quick wit. Dorothy Tutin did such an amazing job alongside Keith Michell in The Six Wives of Henry VIII. I loved Tutin’s back and forth with Michell. He’s such a strong actor and she didn’t get watered down on screen because she had the acting chops to hang with him. This was a great video
Natalie dormer for me ❤
Natalie Dormer
Brilliant video, Mon Amie. My favourite is Natalie Dormer. I do think that Natalie Portman is the one who 'looks' like Anne the most, and is how I imagine her, with the dark eyes - wicked eyes, although Portman did not portray her as well as Dormer. Ali
So excited for your upcoming book! My favourite AB is also Genevieve ❤️
🥰🥰🥰❤️
Such a great perspective on the many actresses who played Anne Boleyn! Thanks so much for sharing!
(Also, your book sounds super interesting! I hope it eventually makes its way to the US, as I'd be very interested in reading it!)
Dorothy Tutin in "The Six Wives of Henry VIII".
Natalie is my all time favorite Anne. She brought so much emotion to every scene absolutely amazing. ❤
My favourite is Natalie Dormer from The Tudors❤❤❤
I'm so glad you did this video. Genevieve Bujold was the first actress I saw play the role, especially if we consider that Anne may have had a bit of a French accent after spending a long period in the French court.
If we are going on strictly appearance, have you see the David Starkey documentary from 2000? Good Lord, the woman who plays Anne basically looks like Anne's most famous portrait. It's uncanny.
Agree with your pics! Except the one about the Bolelyn family, cause I didn't see that one!
I think you’ll like it!
Interesting and balanced list. Thanks for the video and good luck with your book!
Thank you so much!!
Your number 1 is my number 1. Geneviève Bujold was my first exposure to Anne Boylen. It has a special place in my heart, and the other actresses portray her well but I agree she is number one.
Yes omg, Genevive is my all time favourite! Anne of a thousand days is also just aesthetically such a gorgeous movie and the costuming (though it has its inaccuracies obviously) is just so beautiful… Though we saw very little of her I also kinda really liked Merle Oberon in the private life of Henry VIII. The 30s glamour💅
God, how I love "Anne of the thousand days"! I watch it at least once a year.❤
I generally like to be unique, but I've got to be real. I agree with most of these comments, Natalie Dormer is my absolute top. Also, she can top me anytime she wants lol
Natalie Dormer. Well rounded performance
Great video! I find interesting for each portrayal on what they have done. Natalie Dormer was awesome in that supposedly she dyed her hair darker to match the real life Anne Boleyn. Genevieve Bujold had a slight edge over the others in terms of historical accuracy as she is the only one amongst them that had a french accent. Many people seem to forget that despite being recognized as just English to us, Anne had spent a significant amount of her life in France. So much so that when she returned to England, many people confused her as French as she had a french accent and wore French fashions aka the French Hood. Though I disliked the other Boleyn Girl especially with the irritating incest subplot and thank god they never actually commited to it, it had some positives. One major positive is the fantastic costuming and Natalie Portman's Anne Boleyn probably had the most accurate costume in the execution scene. It follows the report of the execution where Anne Boleyn wore a Gabled Hood and ermine mantle and shed each of her accessories off and then be beheaded. Most interpretations kind of just skip the part entirely and it is meaningful for I believe it to be a sign of subtle meaning that she insists of dressing like a queen as she was before her death. Claire Foy's portrayal seemed antagonistic, but I think it is excusable as the series was based on Cromwell's POV and he clearly didn't see Anne Boleyn in a positive light so it makes sense for her portrayal to show more snark. However, her execution scene was fantastic as it really showed of how skilled the swordsman was and how he managed to make Anne not panic by being silent and having her head turn a certain way so he can get a clean swing to take her out in one hit.
Totally agree with you about your number one and number two pics. To me no one has done ambling justice on screen as well as Genevieve. I’ve never seen the other three on your top five so I’ll have to do some digging and look them up. Keep up the good work!! I love your reviews. And when will your latest book be available in the United States?
Yes, I do agree with Genevieve as the top choice! She brings the right level of fiestiness with the slight French flair too! And I also think that Natalie Portman was very good, but largely got overlooked due to the issues with the movie in general!
Yes I’m so with you on this. Natalie Portman with a better script could have been amazing!!
Great review, I enjoyed every second of it and am looking forward to reading your forthcoming book.
Could you do another review on why you didn’t pick the other portrayals of Anne?
Yes that would be a good video! Thank you! I’ll do one once I’m back from maternity leave. Thank you for being here!
Only three I think convinced me as actresses that they were Anne:
1. Genevieve Bujold - Anne of the Thousand Days - Perfect in appearance and acting ability. Subtle French accent that I believe Anne may have picked up during her time in France. Additionally Film is beautiful to watch. .
2. Dorothy Tutin - Six wives of Henry Vlll - A little too old to play her effectively as a young woman, but the appearance is correct and the acting stellar. Excellent series.
3. Claire Foy - Wolfe Hall - Good look, (except for the distractingly beautiful blue eyes, much like your own), and superb acting. Interesting take on the machinations of the Tudor Court.
Natalie Dormer reminds me too much of Posh Spice playing the role, and Natalie Portman, just dreadful in a rather vulgar production.
Genevieve will always be number one! A missed opportunity for me is Audrey Tautou, what do you think?
Good point!
I agree, Genevieve Bujold is the best Anne. She also had the good fortune of playing Anne against the great Richard Burton and in a film with a good script. Natalie Dormer is also very fine, but pity she was surrounded by the silliness that was The Tudors (the series), plus an actor who was not right for the part of Henry VIII. Natalie had no help and stood alone in her sensitive portrayal of Anne. I wonder why Charlotte Rampling has not been mentioned, she was a very fine Anne Boleyn too, better than Helena Bonham-Carter or Natalie Portman.
Genevieve Bujold was my first Anne and still my favorite. It’s the one movie where I easily forgive the historical inaccuracies. I was thrilled to tour with Philippa with British History Tours at Hever Castle where some of the movie was filmed. I agree about Natalie Portman. She needed a different script. I do not like Natalie Dormer. Her portrayal was too sexualized, bad Tudor costumes and her facial expressions wore on me.
Genevieve’s performance was incredible. Richard Burton on the other hand….They said he was so drunk through most of the movie.
I'd also like to give a shout-out to Amy James-Kelly as well. I saw her performance recently in Blood, Sex and Royalty and enjoyed it. She was fun and portrayed Anne's fun-loving side rather well.
I liked her but she didn’t convince me as Anne… 🙈
I thoroughly enjoyed this video, Dr. Paranque! I haven’t seen enough of the portrayals of Anne, but so far my favorite is Natalie Dormer. She absolutely broke my heart in the last few episodes that she was in in Season 2. Her desperation to stay alive and to retain Henry’s interest and loyalty is wrenching. The portrayal was top notch in Season 2. What did you think of Amy James-Kelly in Blood, Sex, Royalty? The show was too modernized, yet I thought that Amy James-Kelly had an interesting and quite fresh approach. Thanks so much for another great video!
Thank you!! 🥰
Great video! It had to be hard deciding between Natalie Dormer and Geneviève Bujold. My #1 is Natalie, probably because she's the first Anne Boleyn that I ever saw on screen. As for Geneviève, she's not only fabulous, but Anne of the Thousand Days (which I finally watched for the 1st time this past summer) was made the year I was born! 😁
Me too I just saw Anne of the Thousand Days this past year. Genevieve Bujold is now my favorite Anne tied closely with Natalie Dormer.
My favorite Anne Boleyn is Dorothy Tutin from the 1970s TV series starring Keith Mitchell as Henry VIII.
Thank you for mentioning her. I LOVED that series!!All the actors in that were good.
I agree she’s brilliant, but she’s hampered by the script which really only focuses on a brief scene in the first episode where she’s shown as a mean girl and the second episode which only covers her downfall. If only Tutin was given an opportunity to show a larger arc of Anne’s story. She definitely comes off as proud, courageous, fiesty and strong, but we don’t really see much vulnerability, nor any other aspect of her life besides her relationship to Henry. Even so, she would definitely be in my top five, miles ahead of Portman and HBC.
Nathalie Dormer was brilliant as Ann Boleyn my favourite ❤
Natalie Dormer killed it in Game Of Thrones. The Tudors could be silly but Natalie Dormer pulled it off!
Easily Natalie Dormer in the wonderfully fun The Tudors for me!
My number one is Natalie Portman, she showed Anne Boleyns ambitious side, her intellectual/intelligence for example in the way she spoke to the king at court or how she defended herself at court, her charm too & her wit. There were a few lines Natalie Portman said that were witty. And you’re right about Natalie Portman had that mysterious energy, I wish she had a better script to work with.
I think genevieve has Anne Boyleyn
Natalie Dormer also did a good job at portraying Anne Boleyn as a wicked stepmother too. My favorite has to be the actress who was Anne Boleyn in Lucy Worsely’s “ secrets of the six wives “
I can't believe Glenda Jackson and Bette Davis didn't make this list, although Natalie Dormer and Genevieve Bujold are amazing in their portrayals of Anne.
I loved Wolf Hall and Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Anne as an imperfect, complicated woman. Neither angel nor devil, but a woman navigating an impossible situation, partly of her own making.
Natalie Dormer was my 1st choice.
It was hard to make a choice to be fair! She was phenomenal
Everyone fails to realize that Natalie Dormer had a larger script and more screen time than other actresses.
fair point!
But Natalie Dormer also had the outstanding range to perform every nuance to perfection. Yes, the script (which she helped shape) laid the foundation for the many character layers, but I can't picture any other actress managing to depict a cohesive character with such depth and authenticity.
@@laprimaverrra I am sorry but one cannot accurately compare.
I don’t really agree with choices 3-5 but you have 1 and 2 correct and in the right order. Dormer has the advantage of a much longer and nuanced portrayal, but Bujold will always be the definitive Anne. She has the courage, defiance, daring and charisma of Anne, plus the grace and arc from a young innocent girl in love, to bitter disappointment, to digust at being expected to give in to Henry’s unwanted advances, to eventual acceptance of her fate and seizing the opportunity, becoming a power broker and somewhat corrupted by court politics. At the same time, we see she has regrets. Even thought there are of course inaccuracies and it’s a shorter portrayal than Dormer is given, she strikes the right balance for me overall. She’s also given the best script, sets and costumes, which helps root her character In the right historical setting
True, I agree with most of your list. However on two I disagree. The Tudors Natalie Domor performance is without a doubt most masterful. Her natural charisma, grace and beauty. Is truly unmatched. I also know my next pick is not historically footed and for true Tudor scholars. I get the push back. That being said. Ms. J. Turner, the only black actress to ever play Anne. In my opinion reached deeper in the raw pain and betrayal that was one of the most unique points of view to an already heavily told story. Her passion captivated me drawing me in. By the time it ended. I no longer even thought about the race replacement I first disapproved of upon hearing she was given the roll. She should be on your list.I believe Anne herself would have been proud of Ms. Turner.
I agreeeee with your points about Natalie Portman 😭
I really liked
I love Natalie Dormer and I also like Claire Foy although I watched The Crown before I watched Wolf Halp so maybe a little biased but I lovedddd Claire Foy
I need to watch the one with Helena Bonham Carter cuz I love her ! I also need to check out your number 1 haha
AgrI agree with you on Genevieve Bujold and was captivated by Anne of a Thousand Days as a child. In the BBC/PBS series The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Charlotte Rampling did a wonderful job as Anne and I am wondering what you thought about her performance. I was mesmerized by every episode and become fascinated by Anne from then on. I was too young to be an acting critic though. I did not like Natalie's performance because I saw her playing Anne as a conniving scheming tart. Is she a skilled actress? Yes.
You mean Natalie Portman or Dormer?
I agree with your choice of Genevieve Bujold's portrayal of Anne Boleyn...even if the costumes were a bit too gaudy for my more elegant tastes in that film...which I loved as an eager boy...always fascinated by screen versions of real people.
But Nathalie Dormer failed for me: I think I would have sent her to Tower Green if I'd been Henry! Let's just say the 'chemistry' with J.R.Meyers? was too 'sexualised'...(& he wasn't big enough to recreate HVIII). And I too, have often reacted chemically with actresses on screen!. I thought Claire Foy was very good...& Helena B-C...though, so often, it seems that merely wearing Tudor costumes & speaking in the King's English, is enough to transport them back to the royal court & beds...& scaffolds!
Alas, the 'actresses' need something beyond mere appearance to capture the real Anne Boleyn...and I look forward to reading your interpretation of such a 'legendary' figure in English history.
I'm sure you will have a new perspective on her without you losing your lovely head!
I have to agree with what you said about Natalie Portman. If she was given better material, she could've done more with the role. But I wonder if the book was more closely followed or if a completely different script would've been best. Though I think I might always be partial to Natalie Dormer's portrayal because that's how I was introduced to Anne on screen, and I always liked the show. There are other portrayals that I would like to watch that I haven't seen yet.
I think Portman could have nailed Anne’s portrayal but not with that script and movie for sure…
Natalie Dormer no doubt in my mind 😘
What about Dorothy Tutin?
I love Anne Boleyn and look forward to the release of your book. My top Anne Boleyns are Genevieve Bujold and Natalie Dormer too , but they are tied. I honestly can’t pick between them. I hated the movie and book The Other Boleyn Girl, but I get your point about the other Natalie. She’s a great actress. Still, I kind of disrespect her for accepting the role.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Raphaelle was very good in the docu drama on the Boleyns. Genevieve Bujold was great, and was Anne Boleyn for me, until Natalie Dormer came along and rescued "the Tudors" from being a complete pack of historical fake news to sailing as close to history as a modern show would allow itself to come, costumes and sets notwithstanding.
Sorry that Merle Oberon didn’t make the list then again her character was killed in the first 10 minutes
My favourite Anns are Claire Foy and Helena Bonham Carter. Helena maybe a bit more. I think I actually saw the real Anne Boleyn. I agree with the chemistry though. The lack of it.
I suppose my top 5 would be:
1. Natalie Dormer ( The Tudors )
2. Claire Foy ( Wolf Hall ) Very fond of Claire Foy. She showed Anne's testy/arrogant side quite well...Probably the best of any of the actresses IMO, but perhaps not her softer side.
Tied for 3rd: Claire Cooper ( The Six Wives with Lucy Worsley )
Raefaelle Cohen ( The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family )
I liked both of the above actresses' performances very much, even though their screen time was limited because both series were more of an ensemble. Would like to see Claire Cooper have the chance to play a more extended version of Anne
5. Genevieve Bujold ( I know I'm in the minority on this one. :) And I do think she played the part quite well...I can see why she's so many people's favorite Anne, not sure exactly why she's not mine.
Natalie Portman given a better script/story could be a big contender for me...And Helena Bonham Carter I couldn't buy as Anne for some reason.
Very much looking forward to your book!!
Well some of the French wouldn’t like her cause she turned England away from Catholicism, I mean I have a love hate relationship with her cause of my Catholicism too.
Agree🙆
Agreed
Your so right about no.4 absolutely no chemistry between them kinda uncomfortable to look at...lol
Genevieve Bujold; Dorothy Turin; Claire Foy
Natalie Dormer is the best.
No Claire Foy?
Arghhh. No… I just wasn’t swayed by her as Anne. And I love the actress!
Natalie Dormer forever!
I agree that Genevieve Bujold is perfect as Anne Boleyn. I believe that Jody Turner Smith and Natalie Portman were the worst. I agree Natalie Portman would have done better with another script her portrayal was not really all that believable. I really don’t think she was THAT malicious.
Ann of a Thousand Days is good, and I like the actress, but it its just a live to hate story. Tuders, much as I dislike having that actor doing Henry, and Wolf Hall treat Ann as an agent in the change of England's religion, not the author but still a driving force. Do you feel that is a valid portrayal?
One has to feel sorry for Jodie Turner-Smith. However good her performance as Anne may have been in the eponymous TV series, she was never going to be judged on anything but the bizarre decision to cast a black actress on the grounds that the portrayal would be ‘colour blind’.
I agree. It's not fair to the actress- she should've turn it down.
Her colour wasn´t the worst thing, it was the incredibly stupid script.
How about the black one?
Natalie Dormer should be number one. No question!
Natalie Dormer