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Anonymous Movie Review

Name: Anonymous Movie Review
Item: Anonymous
Rating: 2.5
Author: Lalitha Mallikeswaran

Written by

Review for the film " Anonymous"

Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Runtime: 02 Hours 01 Minute

Certificate: UA

Released: 28-10-2011

Genre: Drama, Thriller, Historical

Similar To: Ballerina (2024), First Cow, Wendy, Them That Follow

Critic Review
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CAST & CREW

Lupita Nyong O

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Producer:

Larry Franco

Robert Leger

Cinematographer:

Anna Foerster

Editor:

Peter R. Adam

Writer:

John Orloff

Composer:

Harald Kloser

Thomas Wander

Director:

Roland Emmerich

Others:

Lupita Nyong O

Vanessa Redgrave

Lupita Nyong O

Click Here For Full Cast & Crew

Anonymous Click to look into! >> Read More... is a suspense drama directed by Roland Emmerich. Roland Emmerich also co-produced the film with Larry Franco and Robert Leger. John Orloff has written the script for this film. The movie is distributed by Sony Pictures Group. Anna Foerster is the cinematographer, while Peter R Adam is the editor of this film. This film stars Rhys Ifans Theatrical training really helps when it comes to >> Read More... and Rafe Spall in the lead. The supporting cast of this film comprises Vanessa Redgrave, Sebastian Armesto, David Thewlis David Thewlis born March 20, 1963, is an English a >> Read More... , Edward Hogg, Xavier Samuel, Derek Jacobi Derek Jacobi is a stage actor, director, and TV ac >> Read More... , etc. The film got a theatrical release on 2 September 2011.

Plot

Shakespeare has been undoubtedly an irrefutable influence in the world of literature. Even today, people take his name with respect. But what if his works were not his creation? What if someone else created the masterpieces that we associate the ‘Bard of Avon’ with? ‘Anonymous’ explores this alternative theory.

Star Performances

For all his flaws, Roland Emmerich does deserve some mention for making a bold attempt on such a controversial topic. Even if the film is not strong in writing, it is at least visually appealing.

You will not believe this is the same director, who has films like "Universal Soldier," "Stargate," and " Independence Day Click to look into! >> Read More... ," to his credit. Even the acting is something most would only dream of. Rafe Spall and Rhys Ifans have done a superb job in their respective roles of William Shakespeare and Edward de Vere.

Analysis

A political thriller about the origins of Shakespeare’s works? Now that is something not many would even think of, forget attempting it. However, Roland Emmerich and John Orloff see to it that ‘Anonymous’ is not just an over-extended conspiracy theory rant.

The film takes you back to the Elizabethan era. It cleverly reimagines the historical events and leaves the audience to think about the veracity of the claims. The focus is more on Edward de Vere and his contribution to English literature, rather than declaring William Shakespeare’s efforts as fraudulent.

On that note, the makers have done a fine job. The casting is almost close to impeccable. However, the film is not the perfect historical thriller the makers had envisioned. In a bid to increase the thrill, John Orloff tossed out the factual accuracy to the bin. In some places, the film gives Mel Gibson’s ‘Braveheart’ a run for its money in context to historical accuracy! If that was not all, the transition from historical events to the present day is also not smooth, making the final product lumpy and awkward in certain places!

What's There?

An intriguing narrative
Great efforts by Rafe Spall and Rhys Ifans
Some good camerawork and appealing visuals

What's Not There?

Haphazard editing
Historical inaccuracies that are bizarre after a point
Lack of a sound plot structure

Verdict

‘Anonymous’ is a risky, though not very profitable attempt at exploring the dynamics of English literature in the Elizabethan era. In some moments, the makers do the unconventional, but in others, they try too hard to prove something that does not exist. You can watch this if you are a true-blue history buff.

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