Wolf Hall

"Wolf Hall" (2015) takes us back to the 1500's.  The focus is not on the infamous Henry VIII, but his councillor Thomas Cromwell.

Cromwell is trained in the law and had traveled around Europe.  He had a relatively low position, but carefully uses his persuasion powers to work with King Henry VIII.   When we meet him he working under Cardinal Thomas Wolsey who is about to be let go by Henry VIII for his failure to annual the marriage to Anne Boleyn.  

Cromwell delicately endears himself to the king and over time becomes his chief advisor.  He has critics and opposing royal court members, but is very deft at handling them.

You don't want to go to bed right after the ending.  Although the story is fictionalized if you knew your history it wouldn't be a surprise. 

A lot of talented people helped to make this worth your while.

Peter Kosminsky was the director.  While in high school he was a producer for a touring play of "Twelfth Night" that included fellow students Hugh Grant and composer Rachel Portman.  He ended up at the BBC directing documentaries.  He has 19 directing credits, 11 for producing and 6 for writing including "Wuthering Heights" (1992) and "White Oleander" (2002)

Peter Straughan was the writer.  Early he was a bass guitarist and played for over 4 years in bands.  He has 15 writing credits, plus 2 as director and 1 for producer including "The Debt" (2010), "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" (2011), "Our Brand is Crisis" (2015), "The Goldfinch" (2019) and "Conclave" (2024).

Debbie Wiseman was the composer.  She is asked to be a conductor for different orchestras.  She has 149 composing credits, 37 for the music department and 2 for acting.

Gavin Finney was the cinematographer.  The director trying to present a 1500's indoor lighting had scenes filmed by candlelight.  He has 56 cinematography credits plus 7 for the camera and electrical department including "Unforgotten" (2015-2017).

David Blackmore was the editor.  He has 58 editor credits.

Mark Rylance played Thomas Cromwell.   Mark has been involved with theatre.  From 1995 to 2005 was artistic director for Shakespeare's Globe.  He has won theatre awards on both sides of the Atlantic including 3 Tony awards.  He has 40 acting credits and 2 for producing including "Bridge of Spies" (2015), "The BFG" (2016),  "Dunkirk" (2017),  "Ready Player One" (2018), "The Trial of the Chicago 7" (2020), "Don't Look Up" (2021), "The Phantom of the Open" (2022) and "The Outfit" (2022).  See ...  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/05/bridge-of-spies.html  

Damian Lewis played King Henry VIII.   Damian has also had a theatrical career.  He has developed a credible American accent.  He has 40 acting credits, 4 for producing and 3 for soundtrack including "Band of Brothers" (2001), "Keene" (2004), "Much Ado About Nothing" (2005), "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" (3019) and "Dream Horse" (2021).  See...http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/02/band-of-brothers.html

Claire Foy played Anne Boleyn.  She has 33 acting credits including "The Lady in the Van" (2015), "The Crown" (2016-2023), "First Man" (2018), "The Girl in the Spider's Web" (2018) and "Women Talking" (2023).

Jonathan Pryce played  Cardinal Wolsey.  I will always remember him singing "If you want to die in bed" which is part of his career in theatre.  He has 140 acting credits, 1for producer and 4 for soundtrack including "Brazil" (1985), "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992), "Evita" (1996), "The Woman in Gold" (2015), "The Wife" (2017), "The Two Popes" (2019), "The Crown" (2020), "One Life" (2023) and "The Thursday Murder Club" (2025).

Timothy Spall played the Duke of Norfolk.  He was diagnosed with leukemia in 1992, but has since recovered.  He has 167 acting credits including "Life is Sweet" (1990), "Secrets & Lies" (1996), "Topsy Turvey" (1999), "Desert Flower" (2009), "The King's Speech" (2010) and "The Journey" (2015). 

Mathieu Almaric played a French diplomat, Eustache Chapuys.  He has 142 acting credits, 24 for directing and 14 for writing including "Munich" (2005), "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (2007), "Les Herbes Folles" (2009), "Poulet sux Prunes" (2011), "Venus in Furs" (2013), "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014) and "Eternity's Gate" (2018).  Read about Mathieu in a very challenging role, http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/10/paralyzed-men-in-4-foreign-movies.html

I watched the award winning "Wolf Hall" on DVD.  Looking forward to the second season.