Movie Information
Overall Rank: 9301
Average Rating: 2.5/4
# of Ratings: 19
Theatrical Release Date: 10/08/2004
Language: English
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Richard Eyre
Actors: Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, Tom Wilkinson, Hugh Bonneville, Richard Griffiths, Ben Chaplin
Plot: The movie starts with the elegant performance of Ned Kynaston as Desdemona in Shakespeare's Othello. At the time (1660s) male actors played the female characters in plays, and Ned was one of the celebrated stars.
Things change as women are allowed to act, and then female roles are made exclusive to them. Against people's advice, Ned refuses to play male roles saying he is truly a man in a woman's form.
A love story gradually grows between Ned's assistant (who ultimately cost Ned his career) and Ned. This love had to overcome two elements: Ned's ambiguous sexuality, and Ned's anger towards her for taking his life away.
Finally, Ned innovates realistic acting instead of the prevalent melodrama..and gives a memorable performance..as a man. -- Dr MO
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Dr MO - wrote on 2013-07-18 17:24
Such an interesting plot!My main attraction thou was Billy Crudup's perfect impersonation of the character.I actually believed I was watching Ned Kynaston..the graceful "feminine" actor..the man trapped in woman's form.Billy acted so well that I felt his pain, perplexity, fear and anger.There is a specific scene that should be one of the best in the entire history of cinema, that is the scene where Billy plead to the king to let him act as a woman..as a challenge the king ordered him to show …
