The two actresses discuss working together on the adaptation of the popular novel

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD (Hollywood Today) 2/28/08 – Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman may play sisters fiercely competing for the attentions of King Henry VIII in “The Other Boleyn Girl,” but that doesn’t mean the two don’t get along in real life.

“It was really one of my best, if not my best, acting experience opposite someone my age. [It] was so exciting to get to see someone I admired up close,” Portman, 26, told Hollywood Today of her experience shooting the period piece with co-star Johansson, 23.

“In terms of working with each other, Scarlett was like a total dream partner to work with. It felt like we were on the same team, and yet there was the fact that she was always so present and so focused and so real, like I could just believe everything and stay in the scene and feel supported.”

“It was a real learning experience,” said Johansson. “It was so important for us to maintain the connection, even in between shooting…because we were sort of in it together, and that kind of shooting experience could feel so isolating.”

One reason for that feeling of isolation was the ornate gowns and other outfits worn by the two noted actresses during filming.

“We were in these costumes, which immediately separate people that [are afraid] to touch you or get too close. You’re like all in this garb, and it separates you from the guy eating a salami sandwich or whatever, reloading the camera,” explained Johansson. “It kind of affects your intimacy…and you feel very statuesque and kind of vulnerable in this costume. It’s a constant reminder of the restrictions that were placed on women in this time.”

Despite the social fetters placed on women in the 16^th century, Anne and Mary Boleyn were not lacking in inner strength, and both actresses were clear to point out that it was important to look beyond stereotypes when selecting a character to play.

“I think that I’ve found strengths in every character that I’ve played, and even if it is a vulnerable person or someone who’s easily manipulated, there are strengths to every personality,” said Johansson.

Said Portman, “I want to do things that are like real people, and I think that women can be weak or vulnerable or strong, and they can be not very smart or brilliant. I don’t think there’s like one kind of woman out there, and I think it’s important to portray a wide variety.”

Speaking of strong personalities, Johansson praised co-star Eric Bana for his portrayal of England’s unstable autocrat Henry VIII. “He is a very masculine presence, and I think in that regard it was a fitting cast,” she explained. “I think he looked the part and he certainly had the kind of force behind it to intimidate.”

Coincidentally, Johansson is playing another member of the Tudor bloodline, Mary I, in an upcoming biopic. “I’m starting production for “Mary Queen of Scots,” she explained, “which is kind of interesting, because it’s sometime later, but the same bloodline, of course, so I guess I’d be playing a distant cousin of myself or something.”

“I feel like there were periods of time a long time ago when there were more women leaders than there are currently, but I don’t know,” said Portman of any future historical roles she wished to play. “Nothing in particular [is planned].”

Portman may have no other period pieces planned at the moment, but she is preparing for the holiday-season release of her next film, “Brothers,” a war drama co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire. As for Johansson, in addition to shooting “Mary Queen of Scots,” she has three other films in post-production and is preparing to release her debut music CD, “Anywhere I Lay My Head,” this May. “The Other Boleyn Girl” opens nationwide tomorrow.