Anonymous sets out the theory that Shakespeare was not the author of the works attributed to him and that they were secretly the work of the Earl of Oxford. Shakespeare has only a minor role in this film which is as much concerned about the intrigue and power play regarding the line of succession when the reign of Elizabeth 1 is over.
The film spans a period of forty or so years and portrays the younger Elizabeth 1 to be far removed from the Virgin Queen of my schooling, an interpretation that becomes a very important factor in the final 'reveal'. This interchange between the time periods proves somewhat confusing for several reasons. The men in Elizabeth's life all seem to be red headed and they look very similar. There is also some clever tiptoeing around names which adds to the confusion and I guess is aimed at concealing certain crucial factors until the film's climax.
The film is beautifully acted apart ironically from Shakespeare himself who is portrayed as a bit of a buffoon, a characterisation which I found jarring. I loved the look of this film and despite some of the artifice I enjoyed it immensely.
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