The trouble with Historical Dramas is that their most likely audience, is going to have some familiarity with the content, and often obvious flaws alienate the most likely audience. I watched the first Episode of Wolf Hall last night on PBS and immediately it gave me problems. Cardinal Wolsey died when he was about 57,. I have never seen an older looking Wolsey. He looked to be about 70. The actor playing him is in face only about 68, but unlike most actors he looks-at least in tis appearance- older than his years.
Anne Boleyn is always a problem, as so little is accurately know about her appearance and character. To me the most likely and convincing portrayal was by Genevieve Bujold in Anne of the Thousand Days, and also an intriguing silent portrayal by Vanessa Redgrave in a tiny but significant appearance in A Man For All Seasons. At first encounter it is too soon to tell how this actress will fare.
Most productions go for showing Katherine of Aragon as A dusky black haired typical Spaniard, but history shows she was fair skinned and fair/ auburn haired.
As for Mark Rylance, a the moment he seems to be playing the part all on one note, I.E. dour. I am not overly familiar with Mr Rylance's work, but seem to recall that he had real sex in one movie. Which to me seems a little strange. I mean if he plays a murderer is he going to really kill someone? Oh, no I guess he'll act it.
At the moment, I am not overly impressed. Henry viii seems a little odd to say the least. In his day he was though of one of the handsomest "princes' ever seen, this guy looks like he could be happy in a rugby scrum, or tossing chips in a fish and chip shop. Also not impressed wit costumes, check out some of the actual paintings at the time, Henry's clothing was sumptuous.
Anne Boleyn is always a problem, as so little is accurately know about her appearance and character. To me the most likely and convincing portrayal was by Genevieve Bujold in Anne of the Thousand Days, and also an intriguing silent portrayal by Vanessa Redgrave in a tiny but significant appearance in A Man For All Seasons. At first encounter it is too soon to tell how this actress will fare.
Most productions go for showing Katherine of Aragon as A dusky black haired typical Spaniard, but history shows she was fair skinned and fair/ auburn haired.
As for Mark Rylance, a the moment he seems to be playing the part all on one note, I.E. dour. I am not overly familiar with Mr Rylance's work, but seem to recall that he had real sex in one movie. Which to me seems a little strange. I mean if he plays a murderer is he going to really kill someone? Oh, no I guess he'll act it.
At the moment, I am not overly impressed. Henry viii seems a little odd to say the least. In his day he was though of one of the handsomest "princes' ever seen, this guy looks like he could be happy in a rugby scrum, or tossing chips in a fish and chip shop. Also not impressed wit costumes, check out some of the actual paintings at the time, Henry's clothing was sumptuous.