Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson starrer The Other Boleyn Girl hit the theaters in 2008. The period drama failed to make significant trembles at the box office, failing to even cross the $100 million mark, but it handed fans the opportunity to watch two brilliant actresses go head-to-head and confront each other on screen.
Portman, as Anne Boleyn, usurps her older sister, Mary (Johansson), in pursuit of luring Henry VIII and becoming the new queen in the movie.
Both Portman and Johansson were absolutely brilliant in bringing the tale of romance and betrayal to the screen, as throughout the movie they stayed true to their respective characters, who blur the lines between what’s good and bad due to their family’s blind ambition. However, behind the scenes, the atmosphere was completely different.
How Scarlett Johansson Pushed Natalie Portman to Express Herself Boldly
Natalie Portman‘s on-screen version in The Other Boleyn Girl didn’t shy from confrontations, and she showed even more fierce form of boldness and competitiveness as Nina Sayers in Black Swan two years later, winning an Oscar award for Best Actress in the process.
However, off camera, she needed a push from her co-star Scarlett Johansson to really open up despite feeling uncomfortable in her costume. Considering the movie revolves around 16th-century aristocrats, you can imagine just how heavy the actresses’ costumes would’ve been in their attempts to mimic a regal look.
Speaking to W Magazine in 2008, the Black Widow star shed light on Portman’s struggles, stating: “Natalie would be uncomfortable in her costume and not say anything. “She’d tell me, ‘My rib is killing me.’ I’d be like, ‘Natalie, why don’t you say something?’ I’d have to be like, ‘Hellooo, someone, Natalie’s rib is hurting! Can you fix her zipper?’”
In the same interview, Portman acknowledged her tendency to accept some things to avoid confrontation. This trait is, in most cases, admired by filmmakers who find it much easier to recreate their vision with a flexible team of actors and other crew members. However, at the same time, one shouldn’t bend over at the expense of their comfort, because that takes away the idea of being free – which is crucial, especially while creating any form of art. Acting is no different.
How Natalie Portman Reacted to Being Stereotyped as a Good Girl
One of the very interesting things about The Other Boleyn Girl is how at different stages it tests the judgment of fans by leaving them puzzled about which Boleyn sister is truly good and which one is bad as their rivalry plays out.
Off camera, something similar happens with our favorite stars, as fans try to form their opinion about them based on different pieces of information they come across.
In that regard, Portman had a very interesting reply when she was asked about being stereotyped as a good girl. “I get branded a lot as a good girl. I’m, like, the prude, and you’re [Johansson] more sexy,” she noted in the same interview (via W Magazine).
The Israeli-American actress added the only thing that’s a bit annoying about her public profile is that she feels she comes off kind of boring sometimes.
Source: W Magazine
