Anonymous: A Film Recommendation

That the plays and poems collected under the name of Shakespeare are some of the finest specimens of English literature of time up to this point remains an undisputed opinion in the English speaking world. Just the opening lines to the many famous speeches from works such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Henry V, and Romeo and Juliet (to name only a few) are enough to bring tears to the eye and fire to the heart. There is something so noble in the vision of this writer that it cuts to the quick of our common humanity.

Alas, there is a mystery--who was this poet and playwright, really? In Anonymous, the masses enjoy a look into the world of English majors and historians, two groups that revel in questioning and overthrowing our beloved legends, showing us how very uncertain our legacy is on any level.

Make no mistake, this not another Shakespeare in Love movie, or a half done survey of Shakespeare's oeuvre--it's a thoroughly played out theory on the real author of these immortal works. The tale weaves together the lives of Queen Elizabeth I, the man William Shakespeare, fellow playwright Ben Jonson, and a cast of royal and political figures important to the story--including the figure of the proposed "true" author. I must say , I was grateful that I had recently watched the film about Elizabeth I that starred Helen Mirren, as it can be difficult to keep all of those dukes, earls, and ladies straight.

I think audiences of all backgrounds will like this film--even people who don't usually go to see Shakespeare plays. It has action, plot, character development, a great cast, and bits and pieces of the best scripts this side of heaven. Whether it disconcerts any die-hard Shakespeare fans, I cannot say, but I am sure the love of the Bard will weather the rather nasty alternative portrayal of the man William Shakespeare.

Get thee to a theatre and see this film!
Br. Paul, OP