1920's 'Anna Boleyn' was hardly one of those films doomed from the get go or anything. Ernst Lubitsch was a great director, whose best work in the 30s and 40s in principally comedy and romantic comedy is truly fantastic. Also think very highly of Emil Jannings, a silent film great and a regular of FW Murnau primarily. Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn were two of the most interesting historical figures and monarchs, Anne Boleyn is the most well known of his six wives and it's no wonder.
So actually there was a good deal that 'Anna Boleyn' had going for it. My conclusions after seeing it fairly recently was that it was pretty decent with a lot of things working in its favour, it is an interesting film and worth seeing if you want to see Lubitsch early on in his career when he was doing silent films. Yet considering the director and subject, 'Anna Boleyn' also could have been better and there are far better representations of Lubitsch overall and even during this period.
Will start with the not so good things about 'Anna Boleyn'. The pace can be erratic, a lot of things are covered and the handling of all the events covered read of depict this event, do a little with it but not deeply enough and then suddenly go onto the next event in a jumpy way, which made some of the storytelling choppy.
It is slightly bland at times, the sophistication is there but that is pretty much it when it comes to how Lubitsch's style comes across here. This was at a point where he was still properly finding his style and his strengths and experimenting instead, and while his direction is actually pretty good there's not an awful lot that's distinct.
'Anna Boleyn' has a good deal of great things though. It looks mighty impressive, even now, with very lavish costumes and sets. Captured intimately, while keeping it simple, and fluidly on camera. Lubitsch's direction may not be distinct yet but it's hardly indifferent or ill at ease and handles the big moments quite well. Although Henny Porten is agreed too old for the title role, she is still regal and affecting and doesn't make Anne stock or a caricature (even if she does overdo it at times). Jannings is suitably imposing, one watches him in awe and fear portraying this fascinating yet difficult monarch.
They work beautifully together in regard to their chemistry. The acting didn't seem too histrionic or static and interaction seemed natural. The story is far from perfect by any stretch, but it compels enough and kept me entertained and moved enough. It's played straight which is appropriate for the subject. The outcome is not in doubt for anybody that knows anything about Anne Boleyn, but that doesn't stop the final moments leaving me misty-eyed. The music could have had more breathing space but did appreciate that it didn't go over the top in instrumentation or mood.
Overall, not great but worth a look for anybody interested in seeing early Lubitsch. 6.5/10
So actually there was a good deal that 'Anna Boleyn' had going for it. My conclusions after seeing it fairly recently was that it was pretty decent with a lot of things working in its favour, it is an interesting film and worth seeing if you want to see Lubitsch early on in his career when he was doing silent films. Yet considering the director and subject, 'Anna Boleyn' also could have been better and there are far better representations of Lubitsch overall and even during this period.
Will start with the not so good things about 'Anna Boleyn'. The pace can be erratic, a lot of things are covered and the handling of all the events covered read of depict this event, do a little with it but not deeply enough and then suddenly go onto the next event in a jumpy way, which made some of the storytelling choppy.
It is slightly bland at times, the sophistication is there but that is pretty much it when it comes to how Lubitsch's style comes across here. This was at a point where he was still properly finding his style and his strengths and experimenting instead, and while his direction is actually pretty good there's not an awful lot that's distinct.
'Anna Boleyn' has a good deal of great things though. It looks mighty impressive, even now, with very lavish costumes and sets. Captured intimately, while keeping it simple, and fluidly on camera. Lubitsch's direction may not be distinct yet but it's hardly indifferent or ill at ease and handles the big moments quite well. Although Henny Porten is agreed too old for the title role, she is still regal and affecting and doesn't make Anne stock or a caricature (even if she does overdo it at times). Jannings is suitably imposing, one watches him in awe and fear portraying this fascinating yet difficult monarch.
They work beautifully together in regard to their chemistry. The acting didn't seem too histrionic or static and interaction seemed natural. The story is far from perfect by any stretch, but it compels enough and kept me entertained and moved enough. It's played straight which is appropriate for the subject. The outcome is not in doubt for anybody that knows anything about Anne Boleyn, but that doesn't stop the final moments leaving me misty-eyed. The music could have had more breathing space but did appreciate that it didn't go over the top in instrumentation or mood.
Overall, not great but worth a look for anybody interested in seeing early Lubitsch. 6.5/10