Review of Anonymous (2011) by Jonathan B — 03 Jul 2012

I have never been a fan of Shakespeare and thus have no qualms with adding wild conspiracy theories atop his legend, which I assume purists consider blasphemous. Anonymous certainly isn't trying to win any historical arguments, or at least I hope not, yet it does make for an entertaining enough diversion, especially for an Elizabethan period piece.

Much of that is thanks to its solid cast, and Rhys Ifans particularly shines as the title character. It also makes for a major change in pace from Roland Emmerich, who pulls it off surprisingly well and ends up with his most consistent output since 2000's The Patriot.

The writing, on the other hand, is by far the weakest link and not always on par with the acting and visuals. There are too many plots, characters, age discrepancies and timelines that it becomes more confusing than necessary and doesn't hold up logically when you try to put it together.

Still, as Emmerich's recent movies have demonstrated, one could do a whole heck of a lot worse in that department.