For those of you who don’t like period pieces, do not see this movie.  It’s fraught with Englishness, some pomp and pretense.  Some really formal old English words jumped out at me, so, guess what? (insert somewhere in post)  For those of us who like it like that, READ ON…

Controversy.  Let’s just get that out of the way.  But, as a writer, I’m vexed about the possibility of William Shakespeare being a front man.  Now, I’ve heard some stories that he was a slight outrageous, which, this film did a great job of capturing.  But, this film suggested that he was nothing more than an actor who could barely spell his name.  I don’t know.  Hard to accept, but, not implausible based on the details in this story. Not necessarily Poppycock.

What I liked:  I thought the transition from the opening scene to the streets of London was outstanding.  Beautiful editing.  I also liked the connection between the supposed true author, his proxy and Shakespeare.  I also liked the way they wrapped up the story in the end.  It was difficult getting there, but, once we got there, it all made good sense.  And I loved the scenes in the theatre where they acted out the plays.  Could have done with a lot more of that.

Because appearances were so important then, this story could be true.  The supposed true author was a nobleman and being a playwright was for commoners.  The director and writers did an outstanding job of telling this story with credibility.  I walked in the theatre thinking, “I’m only here to see how far they reached to TRY to convince us this is true.”  I walked out thinking, “Damn, that could be for real.”  A little sad…

What I didn’t like:  I could have done without the incest and without the beheading.  Surprise.  I actually could have done without most of the story revolving around Queen Elizabeth, including her villainous right-hands.  That part was very trite.  But, this is the first time I’ve seen her portrayed as goofy.  They made her seem goofy.  Didn’t like that either.  Glad to bid a good morrow to her…

It was also very difficult to keep track of who was who.  The back-tracking to previous years and re-joining current years got confusing.  I didn’t figure out who the young supposed author was as an older man until almost the end of the movie.  And I was completely wrong about which kid was his and the Queen’s until the end.  For that matter, so was the kid…

This was one of those stories that you have to see for a second time to get the nuances.  I think it’ll be better knowing for what to look.  Definitely worth seeing at least once.

I remember as a kid reading Shakespeare and getting every word of it when the other kids were scratching their heads.  My sister always thought it was odd that I understood what the characters were saying, but, I knew my connection to the words was an indication that I was a writer.  They talked about that in this film too – how the legacy has to be the words.  Nothing but the words…

So, I don’t care who’s name is on it – I’ve always known the work as Shakespeare and it’s gonna stay that way for me.  I’m just glad we have it…