Rent Anonymous (2011)
3.3 of 5 from 130 ratings
2h 5min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Set in the tumultuous political snake-pit of the Elizabethan court, where greedy nobles vie for power and illicit romance goes hand in hand with cloak-and-dagger diplomacy, a secret of historic proportions is about to be revealed. Against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her, the question of whether Shakespeare wrote his plays will rock England to its very core. The drama has played out but the battle has only just begun...
- Actors:
- Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, David Thewlis, Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, Edward Hogg, Xavier Samuel, Sam Reid, Jamie Campbell Bower, Joely Richardson, Paolo De Vita, Trystan Gravelle, Robert Emms, Tony Way, Julian Bleach, Derek Jacobi, Alex Hassell, James Garnon, Mark Rylance, Jasper Britton
- Directors:
- Roland Emmerich
- Producers:
- Roland Emmerich, Larry J. Franco, Robert Leger
- Writers:
- John Orloff
- Others:
- Lisy Christl
- Studio:
- Sony
- Genres:
- Drama, Thrillers
- Collections:
- 10 Films to Watch if You Like All Is True, A History of British Queens in Film, Getting to Know: Vanessa Redgrave, That's All Fawkes! Top 10 Films Set in the Stuart Era
- BBFC:
- Release Date:
- 05/03/2012
- Run Time:
- 130 minutes
- Languages:
- Catalan Dolby Digital 5.1, English Audio Description Dolby Digital 5.1, English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Italian DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Spanish DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
- Subtitles:
- English, English Hard of Hearing, Hindi, Italian, Spanish
- Formats:
- Pal
- Aspect Ratio:
- Widescreen 2.35:1
- Colour:
- Colour
- BLU-RAY Regions:
- B
- Bonus:
- Extended Scenes
- Speak The Speech
- More Than Special Effects
More like Anonymous
Reviews (2) of Anonymous
Shakespearian Delight - Anonymous review by Rob S
This film tells what is, to be honest, a very plausible view as to who the real author of Shakespeare's works was. Whether you agree with the way the film tells the story or not, to me, does not affect the enjoyment of the film. The angle of the film is that Shakespeare was a 2nd rate actor who seized an opportunity to take advantage of Edward de Vere, Earl of Oxford, who the film portrays as the real author of the works. The film is very well acted especially by Rhys Ifans who I have not seen better in a role. The whole supporting cast is excellent and the story zips along at quite a pace. Roland Emmerich (of blockbuster disaster movie fame - think Independence Day) directs very well although there is a touch too much green screen CGI of old London (although they probably had little choice). In summary the film is an enjoyable period piece filmed with a sizeable budget with a good script and excellent performances. The only issue is whether you believe the story. It's also worth watching the disc extra regarding who wrote Shakespeare's plays as it adds some more insight into the background of the story. The Blu Ray scores 4.5 for picture quality (detailed image with no grain) and 4 for sound (strong soundtrack and some detailed use of the rear channels).
1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.
Good entertainment - unfeasible story - Anonymous review by Pete W
An interesting and entertaining story if you can get past the fact that the whole storyline is rather risible. Not only are we meant to believe that Shakespeare didn't write all those plays (which might be arguable), he also is portrayed as an illiterate yobbo. In addition, a number of illegitimate royal offspring appear with potentially hilarious incestuous consequences. But it is a good story, well presented and pacey.
0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.
Critic review
Anonymous review by Alyse Garner - Cinema Paradiso
A historical political thriller starring Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Rafe Spall and David Thewliss Anonymous is based on the conspiracy that William Shakespeare’s plays were in fact penned by The Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere.
Whether or not you agree with this idea doesn’t prevent Anonymous from marching right on in and doing everything within its power to convince you otherwise. It is an articulate, interesting movie that sparks with lust and greed and jealousy.
The character of Shakespeare is depicted in no way I have ever seen before; he is emotionally and intellectually stunted, barely more than the village idiot, making it impossible to believe that he could possibly have penned such masterpieces as he are afforded him. Instead Rhys Ifans plays a graceful and almost awe-inspiring character of intelligence, charm and presence.
The movie is set against the backdrop of the attempted Essex Rebellion, in which the Earl of Essex attempted to overthrow Elizabeth I played by both Vanessa Redgrave and her daughter Joely Richardson. The movie goes as far as to suggest that de Vere was even the Queen’s lover in her younger days and that it was she who inspired some of his most memorable and romantic moments.
Even if you believe the key aspect of the plot to be nonsense or the hidden truth, Anonymous is a sparkling two hours of fantastic dialogue, acting and set design that culminates in the creation of a highly entertaining and evocative drama.