Anonymous (2/7/2012)

Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexual content.

Starring Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Sebastian Armesto, Joely Richardson and Rafe Spall

Directed by Roland Emmerich (2012, The Day After Tomorrow, The Patriot, Independence Day)

A decent movie, especially for all the conspiracy buffs out there.

Set in the political snake-pit of Elizabethan England, Anonymous speculates on an issue that has for centuries intrigued academics and brilliant minds such as Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Sigmund Freud, namely: who actually created the body of work credited to William Shakespeare?

Experts have debated, books have been written, and scholars have devoted their lives to protecting or debunking theories surrounding the authorship of the most renowned works in English literature. Anonymous poses one possible answer, focusing on a time when scandalous political intrigue, illicit romances in the Royal Court, and the schemes of greedy nobles lusting for the power of the throne were brought to light in the most unlikely of places: the London stage.

I’m going to admit two things at the start of this review. One, I didn’t know this conspiracy even existed and two, I felt pretty dumb at the beginning of this movie. Let me explain. The film opens in modern times, then jumps to Elizabethan England and then quickly jumps to another time back a few more years. It took me awhile to get my bearings, but once I did, I enjoyed the film.

Sure it’s historical fiction but there are a few facts here. However, unless you’re the next contestant on Jeopardy, my guess is you’ll miss them (I watched it with Wikipedia open – just saying).

The two key characters are portrayed in ways counter to their popular images. Shakespeare, normally thought of as scholarly and cultured, is developed as an unprincipled schemer who is in the right place at the right time and is able to pull off the charade despite the fact that he’s an illiterate moron. Elizabeth, often viewed as chaste and virginal, well let’s just say she’s not that – she has at least three illegitimate sons. Yes I said, “at least three.”

The production is superb, and director Roland Emmerich and his crew effectively transport us to Elizabethan England. We see everything from the horrible living conditions to the re-creations of The Globe and The Rose theaters (OK, so maybe Wikipedia is still open). As I was watching the film I kept thinking this is what it must have been like to see a play back then. Despite being best known for his special effects-heavy summer blockbusters, Emmerich seems entirely at home in this “smart-story” driven film. Anonymous is well-paced and never threatens to bore or become too scholarly.

Anonymous also treats us to a highlight reel of Shakespeare’s greatest hits, from the witches in MacBeth to “Et tu, Brute” in Julius Caesar to the “To be or not to be” soliloquy in Hamlet.

Finally, let’s talk cast. This movie is not filled with Hollywood A-listers, another Emmerich trademark. In fact Rhys Ifans has the lead role. Ifans is primarily known for his comedic roles, and at first I thought it was an odd choice for this dramatic part. But this gave him an opportunity to display his range and he’s very good. He never seems out of his league. Vanessa Redgrave offers a regal portrayal of the “older” queen, and her real-life daughter, Joely Richardson, plays a younger version during the flashbacks.

As I said earlier, once the dust settled and I started understanding what was going on, Anonymous was a well-done, thought provoking, entertaining movie that definitely earns a “Theater Worthy” score.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are a couple sex scenes and nudity is shown. The scenes are not graphic or long, but you need to be aware of it. There are a few violent scenes that include beatings, stabbings and a beheading (the beheading is implied and not shown).

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

Q: What’s the message/theme of this movie?
A: This movie is all about integrity. When the audience wildly applauds the production of a “new” play, William Shakespeare, a simple actor, jumps on stage and takes credit for writing it.

Q: How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
A: Whether or not you buy into the conspiracy, this movie can provide serious conversation fodder about integrity and telling the truth.

How did you first react when you saw William Shakespeare taking credit for writing the play?

In the dictionary, the word integrity means 1) an unimpaired condition, i.e., soundness, wholeness 2) firm adherence to a code of moral values, i.e., incorruptible, honor, 3) the quality or state of being complete or undivided, i.e., completeness. Synonyms of integrity are honesty and unity.

How would you score the integrity of Anonymous’ William Shakespeare?

Read the following verses.

Proverbs 28:6 “Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”

Zechariah 8:16-17 “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.”

In your own words, what do these verses tells us about integrity?

Q: How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
A: The Bible is clear, God wants us to live with integrity in fact in Titus 2:7, Paul tells us that we should be an example of integrity. (In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity.)

No doubt this week your integrity will be tested. You will face a situation where you will need to tell the truth or tell a lie.

What can we do right now to get you ready for that moment?

What can you do this week to improve your integrity?