As an English teacher, I’m all for anything that will pique students’ interest in great literature. And, it seems, “Anonymous” has hit a sore spot with Shakespeare’s supporters because it proposes that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford, is the true author of the poems, sonnets and plays attributed to William Shakespeare. And he might well be the author, but, then again, maybe not. There is a free study guide (http://www.ymiclassroom.com/pdf/AnonymousCollege.pdf) distributed by Young Minds Inspired, whose curriculum specialists have helped students explore history through films like Schindler’s List and Ken Burns’ documentary about Lewis and Clark. It’s editor is Dr. Dominic Kensley, who once taught Shakespeare at Yale and it is designed to help students weight the evidence on both sides of the Shakespeare debate to ‘gain a fresh perspective on Shakespeare and his times.’ For the average movie-goer, however, “Anonymous,” a period piece directed by disaster-movie maestro Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, 2012), may not convince anyone, but with it’s political backstabbing, romantic tragedy, class warfare and all manner of taboos mixed in, it’s certainly entertaining.
The Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere (an effective Rhys Ifans) is a nobleman with a passion for the written word, a pastime far below his station. Unable to publish, but wanting to hear his words on stage, he gives his plays to a reluctant Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto), but an opportunistic actor named Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) takes credit for them. Meanwhile, as Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave) approaches the end of her reign, various candidates for the next monarch appear. James VI of Scotland is favored by Elizabeth’s closest adviser, William Cecil (David Thewlis) and his son, Robert (Edward Hogg). The other main contender is one of Elizabeth’s illegitimate sons, the Earl of Essex (Sam Reid), favored by de Vere. The production design is superb, with Emmerich and his crew effectively transforming a soundstage into Elizabethan England. You have real people in a digital environment, which explains why such a sumptuous looking movie only cost $30 million to produce. Historians and academics may quibble about the accuracy of “Anonymous,” but the rest of us can enjoy the performances and the spectacular look of the movie. 10/28/11
1 comment:
"Anonymous" is the very best period piece I have seen in years. The subject was absoluitely fascinating, the acting was excellent and the staging/scenery outstanding!! I know they used CGI on the recreation of England but I would swear that I was actually there. For all you thinking adults, don't miss this.
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