Photo Credit: Sony Pictures All Rights Reserved

"Anonymous" is a Mid Autumn Night's Treat for Elizabethan Fans

“To be, or not to be, that is the question,” states Hamlet in the renowned Shakespeare play − for movie goers, to see or not to see “Anonymous” will most certainly depend on your discontent for confusing plot-lines and muddled time periods. They just may sway you toward the latter. Whether ‘tis worth your time and money to plod through a disjointed script or simply enjoy a well-acted, star-studded film − thine own self must choose.

The highly successful director Roland Emmerich’s (“Independence Day,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” “1212”) film suggests that William Shakespeare’s work was penned by another, due to the literary sophistication of the material and the facts surrounding Shakespeare’s heritage, as he was the son of an illiterate farmer. The question of Shakespeare’s true identity has been debated by such academics as Mark Twain and Charles Dickens. The film provides it’s own answers and as viewers, we have a jolly good time watching this grandiose, Elizabethan England version play out against the backdrop of lavish costumes, countless dialects, over-the-top dramatics and a brilliantly acted script.

The uncloaking of Shakespeare starts with a successful play that appears to have no author. The crowd becomes almost riotous and the authorities close it down due to its political content. The gloating from the balcony is obvious as the Earl of Oxford’s smug demeanor is noticeable. After a failed attempt in bribing a struggling writer, Kit Marlowe (Trystan Gravelle), a deal is struck with the arrogant and typically drunk actor, William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall), to claim authorship.

John Orloff’s original script is confusing as time periods are intermixed without the accompanying numerical written dates on the screen to help keep viewers in the know. A young Princess Elizabeth (Joely Richardson) and a young Earl of Oxford, played by Jamie Campbell Bower, are play a game of cat and mouse until the end leads them to the Princess’s chambers. The love scenes between the duo are filmed with the light of glowing candelabras and a blazing fire in the elaborate stone craved fireplace. Emmerich captures the time period with the lighting, and the embellished costuming further sets the tone.

The chemistry between the Earl and the Princess is obvious and essential to the believability of the storyline. The result of that tempestuous night was the creation of a child that is born in secrecy. Later in the film, an older Earl of Oxford and the Queen of England strike a deal that seals the child’s fate. The acting, sets and costumes all worked. What didn’t work was the switching back and forth between the different time periods, the confusing battles and the addition of too many characters.

A stand out is Rhys Ifans as the older Earl of Oxford. Ifans is known as the scruffy roommate in “Notting Hill” and the flamboyant, sensual deejay in “Pirate Radio.” Here, his main characteristic is his nobility and intellect. You may not even recognize him as his beard and costuming give him a distinguished and handsome look that is uncharacteristic of his prior roles. His character is at the film’s core as the supposed brilliant playwright behind the Shakespeare name. His anonymity leaves him in isolation without accolades, which at times is painful to view. He relishes in the stage performances of his plays and we view his silent victories. His performance is reason enough to see the film.

Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Elizabeth is also noteworthy. She and the Earl of Oxford are past lovers and ultimately have a falling out that causes high drama and a war of wills. These scenes are wonderful to watch − the actors are given fantastic direction. The casting of real life mother and daughter Redgrave and Richardson is a rare gem and we are the recipients.

The replication of the Globe Theater in London and the CGI technology that was used to create streets, crowds, bridges, etc. during the Elizabethan time period are breathtaking. The attention to detail creates sets that are memorable, leaving lingering images in our minds.

Bottom-line: Outstanding performances, beautiful costuming, and realistic sets. The script may be too confusing and long for some.

Cast: Rhys Ifans (Earl of Oxford,), Vanessa Redgrave (Elizabeth I of England), Joely Richardson (Young Princess Elizabeth), Jamie Campbell Bower (Young Earl of Oxford), David Thewlis (William Cecil), Xavier Samuel (Earl of Southampton), Sebastian Armesto (Ben Johnson), Robert Cecit (Edward Hogg) and Rafe Spall (William Shakespeare).

Credits: Directed by Roland Emmerich; written by John Orloff

Studio: Paramount Pictures  

Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Sarah Adamson© October 25, 2011