Review of Stage Beauty (2004) by Elizabeth N — 16 Mar 2008

I don't actually think any live show of Othello could ever top the ending Danes and Crudup produced at the end of this film, it was unbelievably amazing, and had me on the edge of my seat despite the fact I already know the ending of the play!

Danes and Crudup, apart from being outstanding at expressing the pain and struggle both characters were going through, had the most amazing chemistry together.

The honest look at the politics and struggle surrounding both male and female performers of that time was amazing, while you feel for Kynaston and the loss of, well everything he thinks defines himself, you also feel for Maria as she tries so hard to make a name for herself on ablilty, rather than the fact she was 'the first of her kind'.

The lovestory was also told beautifully, amazing acting on Danes' part really helped bring it to life. The ending was spot on, not giving the viewer a proper sense of closure, but rather letting them decided what happened to the two of them, their future, their relationship, etc, was definalty the right way to leave it.

My final point, whoever thought to cast Rupert Everett as Charles II was a genuis, I don't think anyone more perfect could have been cast!