Watch The Shakespeare Conspiracy

The Shakespeare Conspiracy is a documentary-style movie that explores the controversy surrounding the authorship of the plays attributed to William Shakespeare. The movie features acclaimed actor and director Derek Jacobi as the main narrator and tour guide through the Shakespearean world. The film opens with a brief introduction to the life of William Shakespeare and his works. It then dives into the main topic of the movie, focusing on the conspiracy theories that challenge the idea of Shakespeare as the true author of the works that bear his name.

The first theory that the movie explores is the possibility that Shakespeare was illiterate and therefore not capable of writing the complex and nuanced works that have made him famous. The film presents evidence that Shakespeare’s signature, found on legal documents, appears to have been written by someone with little or no literacy skills. Jacobi and other experts are quick to point out, however, that while Shakespeare’s handwriting may not have been the most polished, it doesn’t necessarily mean he was incapable of writing masterful plays.

The movie then moves on to the more controversial theory that Shakespeare was just a frontman for a group of writers, possibly led by the Earl of Oxford, who wrote the plays and used Shakespeare as a pseudonym. The film presents a range of evidence to support this theory, including historical facts about the Earl of Oxford’s life and the similarities between the plays and the known writings of Oxford.

As the movie continues, Jacobi takes the viewers on a journey to various locations in England associated with Shakespeare’s life and works, including the Globe Theatre and Stratford-upon-Avon. Along the way, he interviews experts on Shakespeare, literature, and history to get their insights on the authorship debate.

The film also delves into the political and cultural context of the time period, suggesting that Shakespeare’s plays were not just works of art but also political commentary on the issues of the day. This theory is supported by the fact that many of Shakespeare’s patrons were powerful politicians and members of the royal court.

The Shakespeare Conspiracy also explores some of the more outlandish theories surrounding the authorship debate, such as the idea that Shakespeare was actually an alien or a time traveler. However, the movie is careful to present these theories as sensationalism rather than serious scholarship.

Overall, The Shakespeare Conspiracy is an intriguing look at one of the most enduring mysteries of the literary world. While it doesn’t definitively solve the authorship question, it provides a thought-provoking exploration of the evidence on both sides of the debate. Derek Jacobi’s narrating is eloquent and engaging, holding the viewer’s attention throughout the film.

The movie's cinematography is also a highlight, with stunning shots of the English countryside and historic buildings. The soundtrack, featuring music by composer David Mitcham, adds to the atmosphere of the film.

In conclusion, The Shakespeare Conspiracy is a well-executed documentary-style movie that explores the mystery surrounding the authorship of Shakespeare's works. The movie is informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining, making it a must-watch for fans of Shakespeare and literary history.

The Shakespeare Conspiracy is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 46 minutes.