Thanuja Jayani, JadeTimes Staff
T. Jayani is a JadeTimes news reporter covering Europe
The new film Firebrand offers a fresh perspective on Henry VIII and his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, starring Jude Law and Alicia Vikander. It challenges traditional portrayals of the infamous British monarch by presenting a more nuanced view of his character and his relationships.
Henry VIII is a figure instantly recognizable from Hans Holbein the Younger's iconic portrait, but the real man behind the imposing image who discarded and executed multiple wives has often been a complex puzzle. The film, based on Elizabeth Fremantle's 2013 book Queen's Gambit, depicts Henry as obese, struggling with a rotting leg from a jousting injury, and abusive both physically and emotionally towards Catherine Parr. This portrayal includes disturbing scenes where Henry inspects women physically at his whim and signed a warrant for Parr's arrest.
Jude Law, who plays Henry, suggests that the king’s delusions of grandeur began early in his life when he was told he was second only to God. Law believes this excessive flattery contributed to Henry’s unbalanced state of mind, which made him prone to violence against those who opposed him.
Director Karim Aïnouz drew contemporary parallels for his depiction of Henry, citing figures like Donald Trump as inspiration. Aïnouz's approach aims to dissect Henry’s character, portraying him as a product of prolonged power and patriarchal structures reminiscent of organized crime. This contrasts sharply with earlier, more romanticized portrayals, such as Charles Laughton’s 1933 film The Private Life of Henry VIII, which depicted Henry in a more genial, humorous light.
The film diverges from traditional representations that have sometimes minimized Henry's brutality or romanticized his reign. Instead, Firebrand focuses on the psychological and physical abuse he inflicted on his wives, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards recognizing historical injustices against women.
Elizabeth Fremantle, author of the book Queen's Gambit, attributes this re-evaluation of Henry VIII to a growing awareness of historical gender dynamics. She points out that while the king was once depicted with a certain glamour, contemporary interpretations focus more on the suffering of his wives, who are now seen as victims rather than complicit in their fates.
In Firebrand, Catherine Parr’s story is central, shedding light on her struggles and resilience. Alicia Vikander, who plays Parr, emphasizes the importance of portraying the harsh realities of her situation, including the constant fear of execution and the need to navigate her relationship with Henry carefully.
The film also brings attention to the wives’ individual stories, which have been overshadowed by Henry's larger than life image. For instance, Catherine Parr’s notable achievement of publishing a book in her own name is highlighted, a fact that remains relatively unknown even to many Britons.
Law’s portrayal of Henry aims to present a more three dimensional character, acknowledging both his earlier charm and his later decline into cruelty. Despite the film's focus on Henry's monstrous behavior, it also seeks to evoke a sense of tragic loss for the man he once was. Overall, Firebrand provides a critical reimagining of Henry VIII, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards examining historical figures through a lens of empathy and justice.
