Anonymous Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A nobleman writes plays but can’t take credit, so a drunk actor pretends he wrote them while everyone in court sleeps with everyone else, and history gets a rewrite.

🍿 Anonymous: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Authorship Question

The film opens in modern-day, setting the stage for the central premise: the authorship of William Shakespeare’s plays is questioned. ‘Anonymous’ proposes that Edward De Vere, the Earl of Oxford, was the true writer. The narrative prepares to delve into the political intrigue and personal circumstances that might have led to this literary deception.

Edward De Vere’s Early Life and Literary Talent

Flashbacks introduce Edward De Vere as a young prodigy with a gift for writing. He impresses a young Queen Elizabeth I with a performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ His talent is nurtured, but his social standing prevents him from publicly claiming authorship of his works. This conflict between his passion and his position becomes a central theme.

Political Intrigue and the Essex Rebellion

The film intertwines De Vere’s literary pursuits with the political machinations surrounding Queen Elizabeth’s succession. The Essex Rebellion becomes a key plot point, influenced by De Vere’s plays which are used to sway public opinion. The rivalry between the Earl of Essex and the Cecil family adds further layers of complexity to the political landscape.

Shakespeare as a Frontman

Facing restrictions due to his status, De Vere seeks a way to have his plays performed. He initially approaches Ben Jonson, but ultimately, the actor William Shakespeare becomes the public face for De Vere’s works. Shakespeare, portrayed as a talentless but ambitious performer, capitalizes on the opportunity, leading to further complications and ethical dilemmas.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans): Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, is portrayed as the true author behind Shakespeare’s works, grappling with political constraints and personal desires.
• Queen Elizabeth I (Vanessa Redgrave): The aging Queen of England faces political challenges and personal secrets while trying to maintain power.
• William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall): A talentless and opportunistic actor who takes credit for the Earl of Oxford’s plays.
• William Cecil (David Thewlis): A powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth and a key player in the political intrigues of the court.
• Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto): A respected playwright who is initially approached to be the face behind the Earl of Oxford’s work.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Anne De Vere: “You, your friends, your blasphemous theater have brought nothing but ruin and dishonor to this family.” – Anne expresses her disapproval of Edward’s involvement with the theatre and its impact on their family’s reputation.
• Ben Jonson: “Ruin? Dishonor? My lady, you, your family, even I, even Queen Elizabeth herself will be remembered solely because we had the honor to live whilst your husband put ink to paper.” – Ben Jonson defends the importance and lasting impact of Edward’s writing against accusations of bringing dishonor.
• Earl of Oxford: “All art is political, otherwise it’s just decoration.” – Oxford explains his motivation for using his plays to influence political events.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,463,292
• Worldwide Gross: $15,395,087

💥 Anonymous Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Anonymous’ to be a fascinating, if flawed, exploration of the Shakespeare authorship debate. The sets and costumes were incredible, really transporting me back to Elizabethan England. While the historical liberties were a bit much, Rhys Ifans’ performance as the Earl of Oxford was captivating, and I couldn’t help but get swept up in the intrigue. The movie made me think about the power of words and how history is often shaped by those who control the narrative.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Viewers interested in Shakespeare and literary mysteries”
  • “Those who enjoy historical dramas with political intrigue”
  • “Fans of Rhys Ifans and Vanessa Redgrave”
  • “Audiences open to alternative historical interpretations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of violence and battle scenes”
  • “Mature themes including political conspiracy and illicit affairs”
  • “Implied incestuous relationship (non-explicit)”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• Empire Magazine: “Emmerich delivers a visually stunning Elizabethan thriller, even if its historical claims are questionable. The performances are strong, especially Rhys Ifans, making this a guilty pleasure for history buffs and conspiracy theorists alike. The movie sacrifices accuracy for the sake of drama, resulting in a flawed but entertaining experience.
• The Guardian: “A wildly speculative take on the Shakespeare authorship question that descends into historical absurdity. While visually impressive, the convoluted plot and questionable characterizations make it difficult to take seriously. ‘Anonymous’ offers spectacle over substance, ultimately failing to convince or enlighten.
• RogerEbert.com: “Despite its historical liberties, the film generates momentum. Rhys Ifans gives a compelling performance, adding an element of tragedy. Emmerich handles action well. Unfortunately historical inaccuracies are hard to get past

Audience Reactions

Viewers were captivated by the movie’s detailed recreation of Elizabethan England.: The film’s stunning visuals and elaborate costumes were praised for their authenticity and immersion.

Many found Rhys Ifans’ performance as the Earl of Oxford to be a standout.: Ifans’ portrayal of the troubled nobleman was often cited as the best thing about the movie.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but historically dubious thriller that entertains with its intrigue but struggles to convince due to its liberties with history.

Awards

1. German Film Awards (Best Costume Design)- 2012
2. German Film Awards (Best Production Design)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film proposes the Oxfordian theory of Shakespeare authorship, suggesting Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true author of Shakespeare’s works.”
• “Vanessa Redgrave and her daughter Joely Richardson play the older and younger versions of Queen Elizabeth I, respectively.”
• “Roland Emmerich, known for disaster films, directed this historical drama, showcasing a different side of his directorial abilities.”
• “The film takes significant historical liberties for dramatic purposes, sparking debate and criticism among Shakespeare scholars.”

🖥️ How to Watch Anonymous?

As of October 2024, ‘Anonymous’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can also be purchased online or in retail stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Anonymous, you might like these similar films:

• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Explores the world of Elizabethan theatre and the life of William Shakespeare, though in a more romantic and fictionalized manner.
• Elizabeth (1998): A historical drama focusing on the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, depicting the political intrigue and challenges she faced.
• The Madness of King George (1994): Explores the political machinations and personal struggles within the British royal family during a period of crisis.
• Amadeus (1984): A fictionalized account of the rivalry between Mozart and Salieri, exploring themes of genius, envy, and the creation of art, similar to the exploration of authorship in ‘Anonymous’.

🛒 Anonymous Related Products

• The Shakespeare Authorship Question: A Guide to the Perplexed: Dive deeper into the Shakespeare authorship debate with this comprehensive guide. Explore the various theories and evidence surrounding the question, allowing you to form your own informed opinion.
• Funko Pop! Shakespeare – Collectible Figurine: Add a touch of literary flair to your collection with this Funko Pop! figurine of William Shakespeare. A fun and quirky way to celebrate the Bard, regardless of who you believe wrote his plays.
• Elizabeth I: Collected Works: Explore the life and work of one of history’s most remarkable monarchs. Gain insight into the world, a new perspective of Elizabeth.
• Tudor Dynasty DVD Collection: Relive the Tudor Dynasty with a collection of movies and TV episodes, exploring themes of royal intrigue, family rivalries, and historical conspiracies.

🎧 Soundtrack

Anonymous features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Night of the Long Knives” – performed by Byrd & David Hirschfelder
• “Forgive Me” – performed by Jay Wadley

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Worst Ten Films of 2011

Curious to see if ‘Anonymous’ made the cut for the worst films of 2011? Kermode tears into the cinematic failures of the year in this video, and it’s always interesting to see if critics agree with your own opinions!

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