"Anonymous" - the film that has Shakespeare purists up in arms - premiered in Berlin on Sunday.
In the movie, director Roland Emmerich, better known for disaster blockbuster 'Independence Day', questions the authorship of William Shakespeare and offers us an alternative version of events.
Whilst Shakespeare is portrayed as ladysman, charlatan and actor, the real author of the plays and sonnets is the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. De Vere is unable to 'come out' as writer because of his high ranking and in a desperate effort to get his words heard, he asks Shakespeare to publish his works under his name.
In response to his critics, Emmerich says that more than anything the film is serving as a catalyst to talk about Shakespeare:
SOUNDBITE director Roland Emmerich, saying (English):
"I think it helps us to discuss William Shakespeare and it helps us to find a deeper understanding you know, because a lot of people I talked to, especially actors, they think it is a good thing to challenge it because you have to discuss everything and it frees them. Because you know they think the man from Stratford, he didn't gave them enough. They want to know more about that person and because of that they think it is a very necessary thing to do."
Rhys Ifans who plays the Earl of Oxford, agrees :
SOUNDBITE actor Rhys Ifans, saying (English):
"We will never know for certain. To date we don't know who penned these works and we owe it to whoever did to ask the question. Each time we perform Shakespeare, each time Shakespeare is directed you inadvertently ask the question, who wrote these plays? who may have felt or who may have compelled, what events in someone's life that may have made them want to, in Hamlet's case, kill their mother you know. Life has to influence art and there is very little evidence for William of Stratford that gives us that opportunity to explore."
Away from the controversy, Joely Richardson who portrays a young Queen Elizabeth steals the show as a saucy, infinitely non-virginal monarch.
SOUNDBITE actress Joely Richardson, saying (English):
"To play a very vivacious, passionate, fiery, young Elizabeth was brilliant. It was amazing. It really was. I mean I wish i could have played her for two hours and I loved her battle. Her battle with the Cecils and her decisions of giving up her love to hold onto the throne. It was just terrific."
"Anonymous" is already out in cinemas across the UK.
Mirja Mey, Reuters.