The Woman Who Ruled a King: Anne Boleyn

Anne has also left her mark within popular modern media. The film The Other Boleyn Girl tells both Anne and Mary's stories; Anne is portrayed by Natalie Portman and Mary is portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. It shows how their romantic entanglements with Henry impacted their lives as well as their sisterly relationship. The film is not entirely accurate and over dramatized at points, but still does a good job of telling the Boleyn family's story. In the film, during the scene of Anne's execution the actress is crying, but it is said at Anne's execution, in real life, she did not react and stayed composed. The show The Tudors is less about Anne, but rather King Henry VIII. In the show, Anne is played by actress Natalie Dormer. It goes through a dramatized account of Henry's time as king, including each of his wives. There is even another show coming out about Anne on December 9^th, 2021 titled Anne Boleyn. She will be played by Jodie Turner-Smith and the show will focus on the end of Anne's life and her relationship with her daughter. Personally, my favorite retelling of Anne's life is Six the Musical from Broadway by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. In the musical, Anne and Henry’s other five wives are in a pop band together, where they share their experiences and histories in song. Anne’s catchy and clever solo song is titled “Don’t lose your head”. If you wish to listen to it, this is the YouTube link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAthQG1aKho Whether it was her drive for power at a time where women had very little or it was her confidence in her actions, Anne has inspired quite the large impact.

Similar to her impact in films, shows, and musicals, Anne has become very popular to include in works of art. Anne’s signature necklace with a “B” pendant inspired similar jewelry in Balenciaga’s Fall 2019 runway collection. Replicas of the necklace were seen being worn by famous models, like Bella Hadid. Anne’s face was even put on a snuffbox in the early 1800s, which can be seen to the right. The snuffbox didn't even have anything to do with her, but was being given as a gift.

            However, the people inspired by her weren’t the only things Anne left behind. After her execution, it was believed Henry had destroyed as many of Anne’s belongings as he could. It is for this reason why her signature necklace is still missing. Recently, though, something of Anne’s was discovered. Paul Fitzsimmons found a falcon carved badge. In a podcast where he was interviewed by Natalie Grueninger, Fitzsimmons discusses his discovery more in-depth. The podcast can be found to the left if you wish to listen. To this day, Anne is still finding ways to leave her mark.