Anonymous

2011 "Was Shakespeare a Fraud?"
6.8| 2h10m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 28 October 2011 Released
Producted By: Columbia Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.anonymous-movie.com/
Info

Set against the backdrop of the succession of Queen Elizabeth I, and the Essex Rebellion against her, the story advances the theory that it was in fact Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford who penned Shakespeare's plays.

Watch Online

Anonymous (2011) is currently not available on any services.

Director

Roland Emmerich

Production Companies

Columbia Pictures

AD
AD

Watch Free for 30 Days

All Prime Video Movies and TV Shows. Cancel anytime.
Watch Now
Anonymous Videos and Images
View All
  • Top Credited Cast
  • |
  • Crew

Anonymous Audience Reviews

GamerTab That was an excellent one.
AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks
Stevecorp Don't listen to the negative reviews
FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
bowmanblue I don't know why I ever watched this. It was only because it was a new film that I bothered to put it in the DVD player. Therefore I had absolutely no expectations from it.At first I was confused. Everyone in the past apparently looked the same, i.e. beards and ruffs and Baldrick lookalikes for servants. However, I stuck with it. And I'm glad I did.I'm not big on history, so I won't (or can't) comment on its historical accuracy, but it was a damn enjoyable romp nonetheless.It makes the claim that Shakespeare didn't write is plays, but, instead, there was a larger conspiracy at work and someone else did. Now, I don't know whether this was really true or not, but, it's fun to watch.Once you establish which beard is which and which beard is actually a younger incarnation of a beard in the future (as there are a lot of flashbacks showing what the beards were doing when they were younger), you can actually follow the conspiracy and see which beard comes out on top. As it's filled with plenty of beheading, back-stabbing and political treachery, it's actually more entertaining than you might think.A happy filmic surprise.
g-bodyl Anonymous makes for an interesting drama, especially for those fascinated by a theory that the works of William Shakespeare's were actually not his work. The film may seem a little dry at certain points, but it makes for an interesting movie. Historical accuracy has never been a problem of mine, and it continues to do so as the filmmakers took liberty to make some changes. But the costumes and production design were excellent, as they recreated accurately Elizabeth-era London to near perfection.It's interesting to note how the film was directed by Roland Emmerich, who normally does much bigger films. He directs a film that centers on the theory that Shakespeare's works were actually written by Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. Shakespeare himself is made out to be an idiot by the name of Ben Jonson. All of this happens during the backdrop of the Essex Revolution.The film is well-acted. Rhys Ifans does a really good job as De Vere, as the story his told from his time as a child prodigy to his deathbed. Vanessa Redgrave does a solid job as Elizabeth I, and Joely Richardson does the same as the younger version. David Thewlis is excellent as one of the queen's main advisers.Overall, Anonymous is pretty interesting movie, especially for those interested in this kind of history. Now who knows if there is truth to this theory, but it does raise some questions for historians. As a lover of history, I was not too concerned about the historical accuracy. After all, movies are made to entertain, not to teach. It was a little boring and slow in some parts, but the film works thanks to excellent acting and a lavish production set to transport viewers back to the past. I rate this film 8/10.
Wendy Yd New Style Writing plays and poetry is the passion of the Edward, 17th Earl of Oxford but he can't share it with the world and is forced to let someone else take the credit. And there is Elizabeth I, strong as ever but in this movie with a very very interesting interpretation. I always like it when a movie offers an interesting view. Historic events are always seen from "a" point of view and written by winners/powerful. Who says that some of these elements weren't true? Note for this movie: don't leave your brain at home because there are lots of up and down flash backs. Don't get often confused but at a point I notices that I was trying to match scenes. Due to the plot, I didn't mind that much in the end. "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves" ... who needs stars if there a queen to give destiny a hand.I like to hear Shakespeare. Fair enough, makes "easier" script writing but better to steal well than create badly. Loved being in a Elizabethan theater, but wasn't so amazed due to previously seeing 'Shakespeare in love'. Still the interacting between public and players, so very different from a film experience in NL. In house scenes were beautifully dressed. The CGI for outdoor palace/tower were well done. Costumes were elegant but not elaborate; liked Vanessa's black dress that she wears at the end.Rhys Ifans (Earl of Oxford) is brilliant, liked him in Notting Hill and can hardly believe it's the same man. Vanessa Redgrave was a good fragile older queen but not a good harsh one. Joely Richardson as the younger Bess was lovely and flirty enough. Jonson, David Thewlis and Edward Hogg (William & Robert Cecil) were solid, liked the "Henry V" player but not all actors. Not outstanding ... but Xavier Samuel (Southampton) looked delightful. It's a 8,5 movie due to the time line multi-cut-up but still a 9 because of the interesting twist. Maybe a bit too ambitious but still strong enough movie that I will enjoy watching again.
Ulf Kjell Gür ...and an insult to people who actually read books. John Orloff must have collected his facts from the backside of a pamphlet. Or perhaps he built his case/screenplay from watching "Pimpernel Smith" (1941). May I quote; General Von Graum: But we have one problem. "To be or not to Be?" as our great German poet said. Professor Horatio Smith: German? But that's Shakespeare. Professor Horatio Smith: But you don't know? Professor Horatio Smith: Why, I know it's Shakespeare. I thought Shakespeare was English. General Von Graum: No, no, no. Shakespeare is a German. Professor Schuessbacher has proved it once and for all. Professor Horatio Smith: Yes, how very upsetting. Still, you must admit that the English translations are most remarkable. General Von Graum: Good night. Professor Horatio Smith: Good night. Good night. "Parting is such sweet sorrow." General Von Graum: What is that? Professor Horatio Smith: That's one of the most famous lines in German literature. ... Professor Horatio Smith: I'm so glad to find you're not busy, because I've been doing a little research for you... General Von Graum: That's just what I wanted to do. Professor Horatio Smith: ...On the identity of Shakespeare. General Von Graum: I'd like to know how you spent this afternoon. Professor Horatio Smith: What's the matter with you? You seem upset. I spent the afternoon at the library at the embassy. Now this, this proves conclusively that Shakespeare wasn't really Shakespeare at all. General Von Graum: No? Professor Horatio Smith: No. He was the Earl of Oxford. Now you can't pretend that the Earl of Oxford was a German, can you?