Anonymous has all the ingredients to be an Oscar contender: great script and cast, strong director, period costumes, etc. Initially pitched around the same time as Shakespeare in Love, writer John Orloff and director Roland Emmerich were wise to wait several years later. Now, Anonymous can shine on its own.
Beginning like a play, legendary theatre actor Derek Jacobi introduces us to the movie. And like magic, we are in the world of Shakespeare and British ruler Queen Elizabeth, circa 1600. I never realized there was question of Shakespeare authorship in all these years. In high school, we read his works, albeit reluctantly. But as an adult, I am fascinated by the plays and the politics of that era.
Whatever you believe, the makers of Anonymous went through great lengths and research to elude that Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, was the true author. He is played quite subtly by Rhys Ifans. What a pleasant surprise to see Rhys in a dramatic role instead of his usual comedic ones. It will be a grave shame if he doesn’t get nominated. This is a fresh and plausible theory which is carried out through a character named Ben Jonson.
Theatre blue bloods Vanessa Redgrave and daughter Joely Richardson play Queen Elizabeth I and Young Queen Elizabeth I. Vanessa’s Elizabeth has been/seen a lot and is more rigid/fragile than before. Joely’s Elizabeth plays a young, happy free spirit that loves the theatre. This is when she befriends the young and talented Edward.
Is the pen mightier than the sword? Anonymous certainly challenges it. As with most political dramas, this movie may take a few viewings to fully understand the complexities. IMHO, you will enjoy the journey. That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.
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