Anonymous

Shakespeare's work is something that I have always tried to like, but this has not always been successful. Growing up, I studied Macbeth which remains my favourite Shakespeare play, although the best version I have ever seen was one in my local community centre.

When Shakespeare is done well, it is fantastic; one example would be the recent production of Richard III at the Old Vic. When it is done badly, it is dire; a recent production of The Tempest caused the one and only time I have ever left a theatre at the interval and didn't return...

So my opinion on Shakespeare is divided, but I cannot deny the importance of his work and the impact it has had.

The Anonymous trailer caught my eye when I first saw it a few months ago, I love a conspiracy theory and this theory has been around since Shakespeare's time.

Anonymous starts with with Derek Jacobi giving a lecture to a New York audience, explaining the conspiracy theory. The film uses flashbacks to show the life of of Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans) from the age of twelve when he is placed under the guardianship of William Cecil (David Thewlis) to his death.

The young de Vere is clever, artistic and passionate about his writing. Unfortunately Cecil does not share his views and makes it quite clear when de Vere enters his household that he disapproves of these activities.

De Vere goes on to marry Cecil's daughter and is discouraged from writing as it will 'bring shame on the family'.

The flashbacks then show an adult de Vere attending a play in London where he is amazed at the reaction from the crowd and sees how plays can be used as propaganda. Whilst he is watching the play, a young playwright called Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto) is arrested for sedition and de Vere uses his considerable influence to free Jonson.

Part of the deal is that Jonson stages de Vere's plays under his name. The first play to be staged is Henry V and the crowd's reaction is overwhelming for Jonson so when they call for the playwright, an actor called William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) steps up to accept the accolades.

The story then goes on show the dealings between de Vere and Shakespeare and leads to a revolt orchestrated by de Vere. The various relationships between de Vere, Queen Elizabeth and other members of court and family are also explored.

A second strand to the film depicts the end of Elizabeth I's (Vanessa Redgrance & Joely Richardson) reign and how the various parties were conspiring to ensure that their man attains the English throne on Elizabeth's death. There is also information about the number of illegitimate children that Elizabeth had and how that impacts the line of succession.

First thing that I should say is that the director, Roland Emmerich, clearly does not like Shakespeare. The Shakespeare character in this film is portrayed as a fraudulent, blackmailing murdering drunk. Not a view that most people would agree with.

However the film is fun with some really good performances, particularly from Ifans, who I've never really rated. He seemed to suit the role of the angst-driven Earl and was very convincing in some of the more sensitive scenes. Richardson and Redgrave were great as Elizabeth, Redgrave particularly relishing the opportunity to play a slightly darker, madder version of the Queen. Thewlis was excellent as Cecil and had a calm evilness which gave the film a touch of coldness.

The sets and background were brilliantly done and gave a very real sense of what Elizabethan England would have been like. 

There are some issues with the film; the flashbacks can be a bit confusing, particularly when involving characters who happen to look very similar. I found it a bit tricky to work who was who and at what point in history. 

Some people have questioned the historical accuracy of the film. My answer to that is that Anonymous is as about as historically accurate as Blackadder. I am aware that the director is a passionate believer in the de Vere theory, but the story just does not hold up. My guess is that if he really did feel that the de Vere theory was true, then this film would be more serious than it comes across.

It is a delicious theory, but I feel that it is just that, a theory.

Verdict: An entertaining film with some interesting theories and some truly 'out-there' ideas. Impressive performance from Ifans (who is actually quite handsome in this film) and a great set. However, the subject matter should be taken with a pinch of salt and the film seen as an extended version of a very good Blackadder episode.