Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Centropolis Entertainment,

Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Xavier Samuel, Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, Edward Hogg, Jamie Campbell Bower, Sam Reid

This historical drama explores the theory that William Shakespeare was an uneducated man who did not write any of his works which were actually ghost written by one, Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford. Queen Elizabeth I has just ascended to the throne, and the Essex rebellion against her was in force. The plays carried a message, and they needed a lackey to put his name on the plays to avert the attention to the throne. Shakespeare was an actor, not a writer.

This theory has been around for a long time. When the previews for this film came out, it looked like an interesting concept, and one I was anxious to investigate. Then the film came out, and disappeared in no time taking in a single million on opening weekend. Costing 30 million, it took in a total of about 4 1/2. Not too good. When I finally got the chance to see this on DVD, I can see why. It was simply not interesting. I have to say I could not get into this film at all. I really tried, but it was BORING.

Granted I have never been a big fan of these period piece costume dramas. But this one just never got going for me. Now, the costumes are good. The scenery is good. I guess the problem is with the story. The film jumps back and forth, and is very difficult to follow. I understand a lot of other people found the same problem with it. It was very easy to get lost in what was going on. Constant time shifts without warning keeps you constantly in confusion.

All in all, this movie was a disappointment. Perhaps I expected more, but it didn’t deliver.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

 

 

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