Anonymous movie

Anonymous

"Anonymous" (2011), the movie, directed by Roland Emmerich and written by John Orloff, suggests the premise William Shakespeare (1564 -1616) never put pen to paper to write all the masterpieces we enjoy today. In fact, the movie claims Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford (1550 - 1604), actually wrote the plays, sonnets, etc. William Shakespeare was paid to take the credit. This is an Oxford Variant fringe theory, proposed 91 years ago questioning Shakespeare's legitimacy.

At this time in history, the Elizabethan age, a puritan view was very popular. Writing, considered an art, was seen as selfish and self-centered. It was frowned upon as a career or even a past time. Therefore, if the Earl was a talented writer of plays and sonnets, then he would need to hide behind a facade in order to make his works public.

Many scholars have researched and tried to prove this point. They claim William Shakespeare lacked the education and aristocratic sensibility or even the familiarity with the royal court that his writing displayed. I am not sure if that is a plausible argument, but it would change history, if true.

The movie also shows us the events of the time. We see Queen Elizabeth I, (1558 - 1603) struggling through the years with royal duties, who will succeed her and the many lovers and illegitimate children she is said to have bore.

During her younger years she meets Earl Edward De Vere and they fall in love. Unfortunately, the Earl is already married to another. They part ways.

Through the years, the Earl's works are put on the stage, supposedly by Shakespeare. The Queen recognizes the Earl's writings and supports the plays. Many plays during this time were shut down for the political views they exposed. The Earl was able to express his views, because of the Queen's love for him. His plays were allowed to continue even though they were causing discontent with the masses.

As the movie progresses, it takes us through a whirlwind of deceptions, both personally and politically. We are shown how and why the Earl felt he needed to employ Shakespeare as his "ghost writer" front. The trials and tribulations of all involved in this deception is exposed. We are shown what this can do to people's lives and how it can destroy relationships and careers.

In the beginning of the movie it uses flashbacks to show us the history of each character and how they are intertwine in their lives and deeds. It can be a bit confusing. The director and editor may have thought showing too much from the past would give the story away early on in the film. I think it would have flowed more to show the events as they happened through time. The beginning is a bit tedious, but hang on. It is well worth the story that unfolds.

The movie does put forward a credible argument for their doubts. I enjoyed the movie as well as my teen. This is a movie for 13 and over. If your teen is a bit more cerebral, they will enjoy the possibilities the film sets forth. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is open to a different view of what could have been in the life of William Shakespeare and the monarchy at that time. Watch it all the way through or you will miss pertinent information. It definitely holds your attention to the end!

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