"Harry & Meghan: The Royal Love Story" ('18) / "Becoming Royal" ('19)- Lifetime Movie - Page 17

MaiaMia_53 · #**321** 10-30-2018, 03:45 AM

I don't remember how the movie handled how they were introduced. This movie was of course rushed to production. So they were going on news reports that came out after the engagement interview in which the real Harry & Meghan revealed that it was a female mutual friend whom they wouldn't name, who had introduced them.

In fact, Violet Westenholz, in an article I read was quoted as discreetly saying, "Others were involved," so she did not take full credit. But clearly it can't be confirmed that Violet admitted anything. Misha Nonoo has also been extremely discreet and noncommittal. It may have been Misha who introduced Violet to Meghan. Misha is a very loyal and close friend of Meghan's and she was formerly married to a school friend of Harry's and William's. I believe that Meghan met Misha through Markus Anderson. And she may have met Markus through Jessica Mulroney. That's all unconfirmed speculation. I also personally feel/ speculate that Misha and Violet collaborated on getting Meghan and Harry to meet.

For the movie, at least they knew it wasn't Markus who did the matchmaking, since M&H had mentioned a female friend. In the beginning, tabloids had suspected Markus Anderson, but he'd only arranged the location where they met: Soho House. None of that was particularly dramatized in the movie. There was no mention or depiction of Markus at all. He's an extremely close, loyal and discreet friend of Meghan's. From what I've read and seen on Meghan's former Instagram, Markus is like an older brother to Meghan. But there was no time nor need to depict him in the movie.

I've been meaning to comment on the movie. But it was rather underwhelming for me when I saw it. I expected it to be a bit corny and inaccurate. I do agree that the acting was pretty good from the leads. The actress who played Kate was very physically similar, but Kate and William I do not think are that close to the way they were depicted. William does have a dry sense of humor, but he's probably a lot more loose and fun-loving privately than how he was characterized in the film. I doubt Kate is the way she was depicted in private either. Kate strikes me as being very proper and guarded in public, but she also seems to have a cheeky sense of humor and a delightful graciousness which was not captured by this characterization.

The lead actors were very close in facial resemblance to M&H. However, the actress (Parisa Fitz-Henley) who portrayed Meghan is taller than Meghan. In fact, I think they had to do a bit of sleight-of-hand in the film since Murray Fraser (who played Harry) is rather slim of build and about as tall as Parisa, whereas Harry is much taller than Meghan. Fraser does have a good facial resemblance to Harry (they died his brown hair red), and his voice is spot-on in depicting the way Harry sounds. But Fraser obviously is good at voice training because his real speaking voice is heavily Scottish. While the real Harry is tall and slim, he has a larger overall frame than the actor Murray Fraser.

MaiaMia_53 · #**322** 10-30-2018, 04:30 AM

I liked some of the scenes and dialogue. I understand how they have to dramatize events without really knowing the accuracy, so they tend to heavily stray or overly dramatize and get things very wrong more often than not. And this is especially the case due to the rushed nature of the production -- in order to release it just ahead of the royal wedding.

Where the movie went way wrong and over-the-top is depicting Meghan as being somehow overwrought and upset about Harry releasing the 'back-off my girlfriend' statement to the press. In reality, I'm quite sure Meghan knew in advance about the press release. Harry surely would not have done this without letting her know what he was planning (even if she didn't see it in writing beforehand). Harry, of course, also had to get prior approval from his father and the Queen because the press release was unprecedented. William was consulted too in reality. I think the movie did show something about Harry discussing with Prince Charles and with Kate & William what he wanted to do.

Probably Harry's family in reality was a bit cautious about the relationship at first due to not wanting Harry to be hurt, or being wary of his tendency to impulsiveness. But Harry knew what he was doing and knew what he wanted, and he was determined, and he truly had found the right woman to marry this time.

The movie went way wrong though in having the actress Parisa break down crying and get angry about the press release. That is not Meghan in any way, shape, or form. First of all, Meghan is a very strong and confident female who I doubt is phased by a strong man wanting to protect her. Apparently, the filmmakers wanted to show that she was an independent woman who would not like a man to take control of the situation. But inaccurately, that scene showed Meghan as being an overly emotional, insecure female. Wrong characterization.

I think the press release was very romantic (as the Kate character indicated in the film). And in reality, I think Meghan felt very comforted, protected, reassured and pleased by Harry's actions. He surely told her what he was going to do in advance. They stayed in contact with each other throughout their courtship, as they said in the engagement interview. The filmmakers apparently used the press release incident as some kind of dramatic device to show conflict in the relationship. They went down the wrong road in that respect, but they resolved it fairly quickly.

Another thing I take exception too, is Parisa as Meghan quipping at one point about wondering if the relationship was just a 'fling.' Come on! It was NOT Meghan who ever thought the relationship was a fling. That description in reality came from a dismissive royal reporter, and certainly NOT Meghan herself. Meghan might have been a bit unsure how it would all turn out in the beginning when she didn't really know Harry but did know who he was. She was of course curious and excited about meeting him, but I doubt that she was overly anxious about meeting him, or dared to have any preconceived over-expectations. She was used to being around famous people and influential movers-and-shakers.

I think the movie accurately portrayed Meghan during the first meeting as not being intimidated by Harry's princely status. I thought the scenes of their romantic stay in Africa were well executed. In reality, we know that M&H bonded immediately over common interests in humanitarian efforts and they were definitely physically attracted to each other. And then they had a second date, and then Harry kept texting Meghan about getting together for 5 days in Africa. Was she hesitant to accept at first, or just wary of accepting too easily? Maybe she was excited but unsure how things would work out. Once she did decide to meet him in Africa, I think Harry made a concerted effort to bare his feelings to her about wanting to get to know her and that he would make sure their privacy was protected. That must be the point when they committed to making a long distance relationship work.

MaiaMia_53 · #**323** 11-03-2018, 07:28 PM

The other interesting scene in the movie is when during their first meeting, the Meghan character spoke of sharing custody of her dogs with her former boyfriend.

Well, I don't know if the 'shared custody' characterization is accurate, but it's clear from his Instagram that Meghan's former boyfriend Cory Vitiello helped out with her dogs and took care of them when she was away and when she worked long hours at the studio. Cory probably kept his own private pad, but he also lived in with Meghan during their two-year relationship. It's clear that Cory formed a close attachment with Bogart and Guy. I even saw friends of Cory's commenting on his Instagram in 2017, that they missed seeing Guy.

I miss seeing pictures of Guy, and of Bogart too.

Axeyman · #**324** 02-11-2019, 11:18 PM

Not sure if this is the best place to discuss this or not but Lifetime are making a sequel to Harry & Meghan- A Royal Romance.

The sequel has the working title of Harry & Meghan- Becoming Royal. As per lifetime the sequel “continues the love story of newlyweds Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, pulling back the curtain to reveal the untold joys and challenges of life inside the royal family during their pivotal first year of marriage,”

Production is due to start in Vancouver this month with filming expected to be finished by the end of March. Due to availability issues the two original leads will not be reprising their roles. The movie is slated to air this spring.

ACO · #**325** 02-11-2019, 11:47 PM

Seems this time they are trying to time it out with the birth of Baby Sussex. Not surprised they made a sequel as the 1st one did very well.

JuliannaVictoria · #**326** 03-25-2019, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eya

"Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal", the sequel to the 2018 movie "Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance" filming is underway in Vancouver, and the movie will premiere on Monday, 27 May

https://people.com/royals/meghan-mar...al-first-look/

Filming has wrapped. They are probably working on re-shoots and editing now for the May release date. I know very little about the movie industry, but perhaps someone can enlighten us on what happens after filming wraps.

Zaira · #**327** 03-25-2019, 09:50 PM

This new Harry...ain't it.

Curryong · #**328** 03-26-2019, 12:05 AM

IMO the actor in the first movie was a better fit as Harry. I did see the first movie but doubt that I'll be watching this. I'd rather see the real couple and not a lot of sentimental imaginings by scriptwriters, and I can't see the point really, in filmmakers having a second go at their relationship. Maybe they're going to make a series, lol?

Madame Verseau · #**329** 03-26-2019, 02:07 AM

I noticed in the casting Meghan's family is not mentioned. I wonder how the film will deal with the Markles if at all. If they do it would have to deal with the paparazzi scheme of Dad and Sam before the wedding; the summer of nasty interviews by Dad; Sam on the fixated persons list (and supposedly removed); Jr arrested for DUI again and now facing eviction from his house and Dad's releasing Meghan's letter in response to the People story. In short the Markles are not going to look good in this. But if they want fame and fortune the Markles are going to have to accept not everyone will ignore some inconvenient truths especially if well documented.

Osipi · #**330** 03-26-2019, 02:30 AM

Most likely, this movie will not include any mention of Meghan's family scuffles at all. That area alone could make up an entire mini series all by itself. I really don't expect this sequel to do very well at all. Its not something I'm looking forward to watching.

But then again, American screenwriters tend to want to take liberties and make things interesting. Tonight, catching up on one of my shows, This Is Us, they wrote Baby Sussex into the script only they called him/her "Baby Markle".

But seriously, I think they'll have plenty of material to work with to make a two hour movie without throwing the garbage into the mix.

Madame Verseau · #**331** 03-26-2019, 01:49 PM

The sequel will iinclude the Markles will be in it

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/a...-revealed.html

Looks like Sr Jr and Sam will not be put in a positive light in this movie. I trust Lifetime's lawyers went over this film because the Markles will most likely threaten a lawsuit...which will give this movie more publicity.

Curbside · #**332** 03-26-2019, 04:54 PM

The new Meghan looks a lot like real-life Meghan. I'm not crazy about the new Harry, but will reserve judgment until I see the movie.

MaiaMia_53 · #**333** 03-29-2019, 06:37 AM

Mmmm, the actress who will be playing Meghan (Tiffany Marie Smith) definitely bears a fairly good resemblance (olive-toned complexion, oval face, dark eyes, long dark hair). She seems more Latina. Her actual background if online sources are accurate is a mixture of: Middle Eastern, Eastern European, East Indian, Hispanic, Native American, African-American:
https://thestickyfacts.com/tiffany-smith-facts/
https://www.famousbirthdays.com/peop...any-smith.html

Smith's face seems a bit narrower than Meghan's, and there's something about her nose that seems slightly longer and more prominent in her face, spatially. Smith has appeared in CW's Supernatural tv series, and also in CW's Jane the Virgin. But it doesn't seem as if either Tiffany Marie Smith or Charlie Field are that well known. I suppose landing these roles might help their careers.

I wonder if or how much the first film actually helped the careers of Parisa Fitz-Henley and Murrary Fraser? Apparently Fitz-Henley is one of the actors in the Midnight, Texas tv series on NBC.

While I liked Murray Fraser's acting and his voice, he was rather too slim of build and not taller than Parisa Fitz-Henley, so I'm not too surprised they didn't reprise their roles. The Lifetime press release simply states neither were available for the new film. Initial news about casting for the second film:
https://people.com/royals/meghan-mar...charlie-field/

I think that Charlie Field bears a decent enough resemblance to Prince Harry, plus Charlie is a natural redhead, whereas Murray Fraser is not.
https://www.instagram.com/charlierefield/

Here's Tiffany dancing:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvb6NRLlLwL/

Tiffany has moves good enough to be on Dancing With the Stars!

Here's Tiffany singing and dancing:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvDe4kblo54/

She seems to have a similar upbeat personality, judging from this video. She seems more in line with Meghan's height, perhaps even a bit shorter, with a bit larger, shapely hips and shorter legs that are not skinny. She can definitely dance, probably better than Meghan.

https://www.instagram.com/tiffany_smith/

MaiaMia_53 · #**334** 03-29-2019, 07:04 AM

This was a very good promo interview with Murray Fraser and Parisa Fitz-Henley for the first film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RTY7o5nGHY

Fitz-Henley's Instagram mirrors Meghan's former Instagram with so many of the upbeat quotes/ words of wisdom she posts!
https://www.instagram.com/parisafitzhenley/?hl=en

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/new...ry-and-meghan/

Apparently Fraser has been featured in the Victoria series on ITV:
https://twitter.com/murrayfrasera?lang=en

It's not clear what he's doing currently.

MaiaMia_53 · #**335** 03-29-2019, 07:34 AM

More on the upcoming film:
https://www.aenetworks.com/article/b...e-prejudice-at

https://www.today.com/popculture/lif...-movie-t149244
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebr...ifetime-movie/

This new version plans to explore the following:
"Harry and Meghan’s core values are put to the test as they try to find the balance between honoring royal tradition and staying true to their beliefs."

Plus, the filmmakers indicate that they want to portray the relationship between Kate and Meghan in a positive, supportive way, which may be what we initially believed and hoped, but sadly is probably not quite as true to actual events. But it's a good thing if the filmmakers don't want to over-dramatize negativity.

"... although the tabloids have alluded to a severe rift between Markle and sister-in-law Kate Middleton, the film will explore the pair's positive relationship.

[Actress Tiffany Marie] Smith said, 'Women can support women and uplift each other. Tabloids and magazines can say whatever they are going to say, but I think seeing those women, and how we may have misinterpreted what maybe went on, it’s going to be exciting for fans. What I loved about the script is that it’s really positive and uplifting and paints [the royals] in a really, really beautiful light.'”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtxf6bgDYyM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-H7SH1ntz4

Blog Real · #**336** 04-07-2019, 04:09 PM

Trailer of the new version of the film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ruoYjbftpQ

Madame Verseau · #**337** 04-07-2019, 05:26 PM

The film is going to debunk the tabloid stuff on Kate and Meghan. But it still sounds like the Markles are still the designated villains. I hope Lifetime's legal team went over this movie with a fine tooth comb.