Anonymous

This movie is billed as "Was Shakespeare a Fraud?" However, it is about more than that. It is about the Earl of Oxford's (Rhys Ifans) life and relationship with Queen Elizabeth (Vanessa Redgrave). And more so about that and their crusade against free speech rather than about fraudulence. The look of this movie is excellent. This movie could be split in two it would have been better. One that was actually about William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall), and one about the private lives and politics of the nobles. There were a couple of times where I totally forgot about poor William and his art, or Oxford's art, then they would show a play and I would remember, "Oh yeah! Thats what this is supposed to be about." The acting for the most part was well done with a few exceptions where severe over acting occurred, but nothing to ruin this already confusing endeavor. Except for Shakespeare himself. He just didn't belong. He seem like he rode back in time to take advantage. His tone, speak  and overall demeanor just didn't work with the feel of everything else. (although he was enjoyable, just out of place) I feel like in trying to tell two stories here they fail to tell wither properly. After I left this movie I like it less and less the more I thought about it. It brings you in with a false pretense and then tells you a different story. At least it's focus seems different. Split them up. Re-do them. Then call me. If my words fail in their attempt to disuede the, then seek ye not this film if the fire or your heart seeks a story of Shakespearse's not.