I don´t know for sure if everybody likes going to the cinema like me, but I am certain that somebody will agree on the idea that “Anonymous” is a sight for sore eyes.
Some months ago, I had thought of enjoying this film, but I was left wanting. So I managed to take the opportunity Iast eek. Not only did the film, written and directed by Roland Emmerich and John Orlooff respectively, not dash my hopes, but actually was beyond my expectations.
I wish to emphasize some of the reasons that a person could have to see it:
The Plot: Anonymous is both a political thriller and a pseudo-historical drama. It is a fictionalized version of the life of Edward de Vere - a courtier, playwright and poet in Elizabethan times - who is portrayed as a literary prodigy and the true author of Shakespeare´s plays.
In successive flashbacks, the film evokes the reputed life of the Earl of Oxford (Edward de Vere) from childhood, through emotional and political entanglements (the Queen´s lover, insurrection …) to his death.
All through the story, we see how De Vere is forced first to live in a repressive, puritanical household, then blackmailed into a loveless marriage, and finally he is compelled to renounce literature. Nonetheless, the protagonist struggles against the taboo of writing for the blue-bloods. What is more, in spite of the fact that his literary work is considered a dishonour to his family, he will secretly continue to write because of the sudden awareness of how powerful - in terms of propaganda - art is. In this respect, the Earl will write “Henry V” and “Richard III” – as propaganda designed to ”foment” revolt. However, the veiled attack fails … things rush and the story is progressively unfolded before our very eyes.
Setting: Visually, the film is dazzling. It is a brilliant display of Elizabethan London, which is exquisitely recreated. To attain this perfection, the film was shot for the first time with a special camera which enhances most of the period backgrounds. In keeping with that purpose, the recreation of the royal rooms and costumes is painstakingly designed. While the plot is unfolded in the grey half-light of dawn and in the smoky rooms, a majestic fashion show of ruffs, farthingales and halberds - among countless attires and other antique objects - … is displayed.
Talking of the atmosphere of this marvelous conspiracy story, one thing that caught my attention was the light: the director fills the screen with lights and shadows. We watch scenes at first light or when the sun is beginning to fade. In this respect, one can feel either beauty without being touched up or the streets’ squalor too; in any case, the best scenes are those of the candle-lit interior.
The cast: Anonymous boasts a cast of pure gold, which I couldn't agree more. The cast is memorable and the film's depiction of the nobility is superb.
The film opens with a theatrical prologue delivered by Derek Jacobi whose voice and diction delight everybody, I know for sure.
The director casts Rhys Ifans, who gives a stunning performance in the part of the Earl of Oxford. In a strange way he seems ennobled by his character, imbued with the culture of the nobility. It is difficult to identify him with his well-known portrayal of Spike, the skinny, shameless, foul-mouthed man who likes to walk around in bare body in Nothing Hill.
Vanessa Redgrave, who performs the part or Queen Elizabeth, is unsurpassable; the scene in which she gazes out of a window, her eyes full of regret, is unforgettable.
Joel Richardson, who is actually Redgrave's daughter in real life, plays the role of young Queen Elizabeth.
Rafe Spall, in his role as Shakespeare, provides delightful comic relief.
Edward Hogg is splendid as the hunchbacked Robert Cecil, who makes spectators shiver.
Some other considerations: Although some critics say that this fascinating yarn is “a vulgar prank on the English literary tradition” or “a brutal insult to the human imagination”, there are those who love it. They praise the film as ingenious as well as memorable.
For my part, I just loved it. Firstly, the director and the script do an excellent job fitting the known facts to the thesis in view. In spite of the fact that “the literary establishment” have ruled unanimously in favor of Shakespeare, the film lends support to the Oxford Theory and is against Shakespeare.
Secondly, the storyline includes moral blackmail, illegitimacy - bastard sons -, incest, treason and murde. Moreover, the “Virgin Queen” is challenged by Orloff´s script (portrayed as somewhat “randy”). Another point to bear in mind is the bunch of handsome men that come up in the film, which is not to be underestimated.
Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, the only thing I want to add is that I find it one of the most exciting films I have seen in recent times, and, without fear of making a mistake, it is worth watching. You will remain stuck to your seat!
Thanks Paloma, the rather long wait for the entry has been worth it! Of course the finishing touch is the official trailer of Anonymous. It's only a pity that many of you failed to see the film ...
