Regardless of your persuasion as to whether or not Shakespeare is truly the author behind what are widely considered the greatest works of writing in history, Anonymous is a compelling and rich historical drama which attempts to put together the pieces of numerous conspiracies into a coherent piece of storytelling. When taken as just that, a conspiracy, Anonymous is a subdued and haunted story of how these powerful works affected emotional, political and society ties and boundaries, placed against a sprawling historical background.
Screenwriter John Orloff (A Mighty Heart) has fashioned a very intriguing story to support many of the numerous theories that William Shakespeare is not, in fact, the man behind the most celebrated plays in history. The film mainly supports the idea that it was the 17th Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere (Ryhs Ifans) who composed the likes of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet, throughout his life. Using different glimpses in time throughout de Vere’s life, the story fashions a highly complex, and at times convoluted film, as Orloff and director Roland Emmerich have ingeniously twisted known historical events and characters to support the unknown.
From childhood, de Vere was discouraged from writing by the royalty around him, mainly Sir William Cecil (David Thewlis), who becomes de Vere’s guardian after the death of his father. Here is the greatest argument about why a false name was put to these plays, as de Vere was too close to the throne to risk his name being placed on his works, particularly given the nature of his writing. In fact, the story proposes many things about de Vere, from that he was once being groomed for the throne by Cecil, to proposing his romantic involvement as a younger man (played by Jamie Campbell Bower) with Queen Elizabeth I (played in her youth by Joely Richardson), to suggestions he was, in fact, Queen Elizabeth’s bastard child.
Because of this, de Vere has no choice but to publish his plays under the name “Anonymous.” Many years later, however, de Vere decides to put a name to these plays in an attempt to thwart the plans of Cecil and his son, Robert Cecil (Edward Hogg), who plan on placing the son of Bloody Mary, King James of Scotland (James Clyde) on the thrown to succeed Elizabeth I (Vanessa Redgrave). Working with the Earl of Essex (Sam Reid) and the Earl of Southampton (Xavier Samuel), de Vere recognizes the power his plays have on the people, and that if a name was given to his works it could incite a revolt against the evil Cecil’s and King James of Scotland. So de Vere decides to enlist Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto), a rising young playwright, to publish the works in his name. Unforeseen is Will Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) — a young comedic actor who is portrayed as a bumbling idiot whom can’t even write — who takes credit for the works of de Vere and becomes renowned throughout Britain.
Anonymous is an extremely complex and equally fascinating narrative, filled with political and historical intrigue. Roland Emmerich, known for his cgi-filled, narratively light films such as Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow, has created his best film yet, adding a subdued and beautiful pace and atmosphere to accompany Orloff’s script.
The film’s high point is in the acting, particularly with Rhys Ifans as Edward de Vere. Ifans brings an emotional complexity to his character that makes us truly care; his performance is both commanding and often delicate. Rumor has it that Ifans won his role in The Amazing Spider-Man due to this performance, if this is the case I can see why, Ifans has demanded our attention with this performance, one which is one of the year’s best. Supporting characters shine too, from David Thewlis and Edward Hogg has the terribly unlikable Cecil’s, to Vanessa Redgrave taking up the reigns as the latest actress to portray Elizabeth I, adding a new emotional and physical fragility to the role.
Unfortunately with a lot of exposition and flashbacks, particularly towards the midway point, the film suffers from getting a bit too convoluted. Orloff and Emmerich simply try to pack too much information into the film, and it becomes difficult to piece together or believe all that they suggest. One the biggest issues I had however, was with Shakespeare himself. The film goes a bit overboard in attempting to discredit Shakespeare, as instead of creating an unlikable or unpleasant character, they fail altogether to give Shakespeare any substance. Instead, we see a completely ridiculous caricature in the form of Shakespeare as the filmmakers try to sell a point, which was hard to either believe or forgive.
The bottom line is that Anonymous presents a very fascinating concept against a believable and unique historical backdrop to provide an emotionally and visual satisfying piece of entertainment. When coupled with Rhys Ifans tremendous performance as the Earl of Oxford, it isn’t a film you’ll forget anytime soon.
Grade: B+
Rating: PG-13 (For some violence and sexual content.)
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