Review of Anne of the Thousand Days

Costume melodrama concerning stormy relationship between King Henry VIII of England and Anne Boleyn is less a historical account of their tempestuous marriage than it is a florid rewriting of history. Adapted from Maxwell Anderson's popular play, the material offers feisty Geneviève Bujold one of the juiciest roles of her career. Bujold, who looks gorgeous in period dress, doesn't seem to be a Method player and never approaches the part of Boleyn with overdrawn pomp; instead, she gives over the inner-workings of her character, and lets Anne be human, womanly, facetious and smart. Unfortunately, she's paired with hammy Richard Burton as King Henry, and he stomps about with a snarl, spitting out his lengthy speeches like a rabid dog. Charles Jarrott (never a reliable filmmaker, but usually an old-fashioned one) was probably a good pick for director, though his lack of spirit or vitality makes itself apparent early on, and his handling overall seems a bit indifferent and callow. Nominated for a slew of Oscars, the film picked up just one trophy for Margaret Furse's medieval attire, which is entirely appropriate. ** from ****