This 2011 Roland Emmerich film stars Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, and Joely Richardson. Set in the tumultuous end of Queen Elizabeth I's reign in the late 16th -- early 17th century, it presents the conspiracy theory that William Shakespeare did not write the plays, poems, and sonnets attributed to him. Instead, screenwriter John Orloff suggests that it was Edward de Vere (Ifans), 17th Earl of Oxford, that penned the most famous works of literature of all time, but could not reveal himself as such because of the undesirable stigma attached to members of the nobility creating art. De Vere asks struggling playwright Benjamin Jonson (Sebastian Armesto) to publish and stage his plays under Jonson's name, but the latter's reluctance leads to drunkard actor William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) claiming the credit. The film also explores Elizabethan politics, including the relationship between the queen and the Cecil family, her numerous affairs (one involving De Vere), and the Essex rebellion against her. What I like about the film is that it isn't just about Shakespeare -- factual historical events are depicted as well. But the conspiracy theory itself is fascinating, and very plausible. But the time-shifting of the film makes it a bit incoherent at times. Nevertheless, it is a very entertaining and enjoyable film overall.
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: B+
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