When we think of Henry VIII, what often comes to mind is the image of a chubby, jewel-laden king, captured in Hans Holbein the Younger’s famous portrait. However, the true complexity of this historical figure — famous for his six marriages, ruthless political machinations and key role in the English Reformation — has long been obscured by myth and oversimplification. The film “Firebrand,” directed by Karim Aïnouz and starring Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as his sixth wife, Catherine Parr, offers a provocative reevaluation of the king, painting him in a new, unsettling light.
A new lens on an old legend
The image of Henry VIII has fluctuated over time, influenced by both historical records and cultural representations. The king is often portrayed as a larger-than-life figure, a charismatic leader who presided over a turbulent period in English history. Films and literature have often romanticized or denigrated him,
focusing on his marriages and the dramatic events surrounding them. “Firebrand” aims to challenge these narratives by presenting Henry VIII as a more complex and flawed individual. In “Firebrand”, Henry VIII is not only a powerful ruler, but a man plagued by ailments, both physical and emotional. The film’s portrayal is grim, showing his increasing obesity, leg wounds from a horse-riding accident, and deteriorating mental state. Jude Law’s performance emphasizes the psychological impact of years of unquestioned power, painting Henry as a monstrous and tragic figure. This portrayal is starkly different from earlier portrayals, which often highlight his power and charisma, overlooking the brutality and instability of his reign. The Gritty Realism of Firebrand
Director Karim Aïnouz’s vision for “Firebrand” was influenced by contemporary individuals and scenarios, with the aim of drawing parallels between Henry VIII and modern-day leaders who have held power for long periods of time. Aïnouz cites Donald Trump and other long-standing leaders as inspirations for the film’s portrayal of Henry as an embodiment of power gone wrong. This approach is not only historical revisionism, but an attempt to create a more relevant and contemporary understanding of historical individuals who were products of their time, but also embodiments of timeless issues of power and abuse.
The film does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of Henry’s character. It explores his abusive behavior towards Catherine Parr, demonstrating the psychological and physical violence she endured. This portrayal is designed to provoke a visceral response from the audience, emphasizing the reality of domestic abuse and its effects on the women caught in Henry’s orbit. Such portrayals are a departure from traditional portrayals that often minimize or romanticize the suffering of Henry’s wives.
The Legacy of Henry’s Wives
One of the most striking elements of the film is its focus on Henry’s sixth wife, Catherine Parr, and her experiences. Historically, Catherine Parr is often overshadowed by the more dramatic stories of Henry’s other wives, such as Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. However, “Firebrand” brings her story to the forefront, providing an in-depth exploration of her life and the challenges she faced. Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of Catherine Parr highlights her role as a survivor and an important historical figure in her own right.
Catherine Parr was not only Henry’s last wife, but also an accomplished writer and a prominent figure in intellectual circles of her time. Her work, “The Lamentation of a Sinner,” is known as one of the first books published by a woman in Britain. Despite this, her contributions and personal struggles have often been eclipsed by the more sensational aspects of Henry’s reign. “Firebrand” addresses this imbalance by highlighting her resilience and agency in the face of Henry’s tyrannical behavior.
Reevaluating historical figures
The film also connects with a broader trend in historical scholarship and cultural representation that seeks to reevaluate historical figures through a modern lens. The reevaluation of Henry VIII’s wives, as seen in the musical “Six” and exhibitions at institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, reflects a growing interest in the perspectives of women who have traditionally been sidelined in historical narratives.
Elizabeth Fremantle’s book “Queen’s Gambit,” on which the film is based, explores these themes by providing a narrative from Catherine Parr’s perspective. Fremantle’s work contributes to a broader reevaluation of how history has treated these women, shifting the focus from their roles as Henry’s wives to their individual lives and contributions. This shift in perspective is part of a larger movement to acknowledge and correct historical biases, giving voice to people who have been historically marginalized.