1. Sir_Brandon

   8

   The writings by William Shakespeare are celebrated all over the world. He has been called a genius of his craft and considered by many to be the best playwright in history. However, there are theories out there that insists Shakespeare did not write one single thing. The thought of Shakespeare never creating Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, or Julius Caesar seems preposterous. Yet there are conspiracy theorists out there who believe just that and I would assume director Roland Emmerich may be one of them. He uses Anonymous to present a scenario that explores the idea of who the “realâ€� Shakespeare was and who really might be behind some of the most renowned literature to ever exist. Starting out as a play in present time New York and soon traveling back to the Elizabethan era, Anonymous introduces us to Edward de Vere (Rhys Ifans), the 17th Earl of Oxford. He is the man who supposedly wrote all of the famous plays and poems, but due to his status and having almost all forms of creative writing be considered the devil’s work, he was forced to keep it a secret. But he wants/needs his plays to be seen by the public in order to start an uprising against William Cecil (David Thewlis) and his son Robert (Edward Hogg), two guys who are always in the ear of Queen Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave). Edward wants to see his stories come to life, but at the same time, he wants to use the power of words in order to send a message and get a reaction. He recruits Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto), a young, unsuccessful playwright, to put the plays in to action and perform them in front of an audience. However, Jonson has his doubts and his acting buddy, Will Shakespeare (Rafe Spall), inserts himself in to the spotlight and steals the credit. And things only get messier from there. Emmerich is famous for destroying the world (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, 2012). This time there are very few explosions and no wave of destruction whatsoever. So this is definitely a change of pace for him. He shows great restraint with this film, and the story isn’t full of distractions and is able to unfold as do the twists and turns. Anonymous is historical entertainment and probably possesses a few facts, but still remains a story of fiction in the end. I am sure Emmerich would like to have people convinced, but that likely will not happen. But he does present a fascinating and intriguing story about the “what ifâ€� of the Bard and his work. The film not only has beautiful imagery and grand-scale sets that will leave the audience in awe, but the performances will captivate as well. Ifans is terrific as the 17th Earl of Oxford. Edward is full of flaws, but is shown at a young age to have the passion to write no matter how taboo it was. And while the jumping back and forth between time can be a little bit confusing, we do get to see how Edward became the man he is and the secrets he carries with him. Some of his past deals with the Queen herself, and Redgrave plays the older Elizabeth with such power, grace, and fierceness. At times it is easy to forget that she is a human being as well and that she has been in love before and has her own hidden truths that haunt her. Anonymous is complex and some will see it as just plain ridiculous. Nevertheless, all of the lies, corruption, betrayal, and lust for power will not only entertain, but will get and keep your attention. My advice is to go in and watch it for what it truly is: A good costume drama with great surprises and even better performances. Do this and you will leave more than satisfied.… Expand

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2. TVJerry

   5

   The basic premise: Shakespeare did not write his plays and poems, but this movie is anything but basic. The plot may be the most convoluted and confusing I've ever seen. Perhaps if you have a thorough understanding of Tudor history, it might make more sense. The story jumps around in time and involves all manner of intrigue in Queen Elizabeth's court. On the positive side, it never drags and looks good.… Expand

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     0 of 0 users said yes
3. TehYetti

   0

   This is an abysmal mess. This movie ignores chronology to make its immensely convoluted idea seem even the remotest sense possible. It makes the same implausible and classist argument we've heard against Shakespeare's authorship for several decades, but not without insulting several prominent historical figures maliciously, for no real reason. All together this is another movie that demonstrates Roland Emmerich's contempt for sense, historical fact and competent story telling.… Expand

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     3 of 4 users said yes

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