MovieChat Forums > The Tudors (2007) Discussion > Soap opera and laughable history--especi...

Soap opera and laughable history--especially with Catherine Howard


This series is historical BS. It shows a dashing and handsome Henry VIII frolicking with his teenage bride Catherine. The truth is that by this time Henry was pushing 50 years of age, and was so fat and gross (look at the portraits of him if you don't believe me) that Catherine was revolted by him on their wedding night. "Fat, yellow, and ugly" is how she described him. And showing Henry as a randy virile stud? In actuality by this time in his life he was so decrepit he couldn't even get it up for Catherine on their wedding night! For crissakes, people! Are you interested in real history? Or just soap opera?

reply

Half the content is accurate and half is fictional. The thing about historical accuracy is that often the subject of interest is not known for his or her looks but rather the impact they had on the course of human history. If Henry VIII was attractive for the duration of his station, the portrayal of him on "The Tudors" would make sense. People are not made famous for their looks if they are truly important to society. The downside of depicting history in television is that it has to be aligned with the network's philosophy. Showtime is known for adult content not educational content. The executive producers of the show had to make some sacrifices to satisfy not only the network but the audience as well. History in its naked form is not attractive at all. It is really just meant for educational purposes. In its entertaining form it is altered to suite a population's tastes.

Henry VIII viewed himself as attractive even when he was obese. He demanded people treat him as a divine being. I think the executive producers wanted to portray how he viewed himself.

"Reign" is much worse than "The Tudors" for the reason it is not based on history at all. That show is truly the bottom of the barrel.

reply

If you want historical accuracy, read a history book. And even then, you're reading only what the powers that be want you to know.

reply

The OP is late as hell. Fans of the show already know how big Henry was, etc, etc. It's been discussed to death.

reply

And if you even when you start watching with episode one, its PRETTY obvious that most characters are going to be portrayed with "modern" looks. Henry and Charles look like two Calvin Klein models in the beginning. The women are also way hotter than how thos characters looked in portraits

reply