Anonymous 2011
"Was Shakespeare a Fraud?"
Roland Emmerich's *Anonymous (2011)* plunges viewers into the stormy world of Elizabethan England, weaving a shadowy tale of political intrigue, artistic deception, and royal power.
Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast
Jamie Campbell Bower
Young Earl of Oxford
Rhys Ifans
Edward de Vere
David Thewlis
William Cecil
Joely Richardson
Princess Elizabeth Tudor
Vanessa Redgrave
Queen Elizabeth I
Sebastian Armesto
Ben Jonson
Rafe Spall
William Shakespeare
Edward Hogg
Robert Cecil
Xavier Samuel
Earl of Southampton
Sam Reid
Earl of Essex
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Anonymous (2011) about?
*Anonymous* follows the life of Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford, as he secretly crafts the works attributed to William Shakespeare. The film unfolds during a time of political upheaval in Elizabethan England, blending historical events with a conspiracy theory that challenges centuries of literary tradition.
Who directed Anonymous?
Roland Emmerich, known for large-scale epics like *Independence Day* and *The Day After Tomorrow*, directed *Anonymous*.
Who stars in Anonymous?
The film features Rhys Ifans as Edward De Vere, Jamie Campbell Bower in a dual role, and co-stars Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, and Sebastian Armesto.
Is Anonymous (2011) worth watching?
If you love historical dramas with a provocative twist, *Anonymous* delivers. Its intricately staged narrative and lavish production design make it visually compelling, though its controversial theory may polarize purists. The film shines in its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances.
How long is Anonymous?
Anonymous runs for 130 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Anonymous (2011) — A Controversial Take on Who Really Wrote Shakespeare's Plays
Roland Emmerich's *Anonymous (2011)* plunges viewers into the stormy world of Elizabethan England, weaving a shadowy tale of political intrigue, artistic deception, and royal power. Set against the turbulent backdrop of Queen Elizabeth I's reign and the Essex Rebellion, the film explores a bold theory: that Edward De Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was the true genius behind Shakespeare's iconic plays. With sumptuous period detail and a gripping thriller edge, Emmerich crafts a visually stunning drama that questions the very foundations of literary history.
Starring Rhys Ifans as the enigmatic Earl of Oxford and Jamie Campbell Bower as a young Edward de Vere, the film blends historical drama with courtly suspense. Vanessa Redgrave lends gravitas as Queen Elizabeth, while Joely Richardson and David Thewlis round out a cast delivering powerful performances. *Anonymous* challenges audiences to rethink everything they thought they knew about one of history's greatest writers, all while sweeping them through a world of betrayal, ambition, and artistic legacy.
