Directed by:
Richard EyreCinematography:
Andrew DunnComposer:
George FentonCast:
Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, Rupert Everett, Alice Eve, David Westhead, Tom Hollander, Clare Higgins, Richard Griffiths, Tom Wilkinson, Ben Chaplin, Edward Fox (more)Plots(1)
Lively period drama set in 17th century London, based on the play by Jeffrey Hatcher and directed by Richard Eyre. Billy Crudup stars as Ned Kynaston, the brightest star in Restoration theatre. Since women are forbidden to appear on stage, the beautiful, brazen Ned is able to shine in all the great female roles, while his loyal dresser, Maria (Claire Danes) looks upon his success with admiration - and just a touch of envy. But when Charles II (Rupert Everett) changes the law to ban cross-dressing male actors and allow females onto the stage, Ned's once-glittering career goes into freefall, giving Maria the chance she has always dreamed of to step into the limelight. (Entertainment One)
(more)Reviews (1)
The beauty of the scene lies in the structure of the screenplay with a predictable happy ending and several twists typical of Hollywood, but overall pleasant and professionally made, with a moderate budget, strong cast, and performances. Camera, editing, music, everything fits together, and the playful use of Shakespearean texts allows the actors to show that they are familiar with classical theater and play with verses almost with a gourmet delight. Crudup's role is more rewarding because it is ambiguous in terms of his sexuality and his approach to acting. Claire Danes is professionally charming and likable, and for the third time, experienced Tom Wilkinson plays his part as the theater director effortlessly, actually basing his career on Shakespearean plays.... Overall impression 80%.
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