Stage Beauty
Set in the 1660's at a time when in live theatre women's roles were played by men, Edward 'Ned' Kynaston (Crudup) is England's most celebrated leading lady, using his beauty and skill to make the great female roles his own. But when Charles II is tired of seeing the same old performers, the ruler allows real women to tread the boards and men may no longer play women's parts. Ned becomes a virtual nobody, virtually overnight and seems headed for suicide till his ex-dresser turned actress Maria (Danes) takes it upon herself to make a man of him again.
Member Reviews
Dramatic ending, a great surprise! - DonD
Two people - a woman wishes to work in a male-dominated industry and a man who loses his male-ness portraying female characters. They help each other find deeper talents and truth within. Wonderful and dramatic ending! Great acting by all supportive cast...enjoyed the King and his Mistress!Review - Stage Beauty - maw-
I didn't know what to expect from this movie - I added it to my list on a whim, based on a mention in a random blog. What a surprise! This is an excellent movie. Billy Crudup does a fabulous job portaying Ned Kenystan, a man who played women's roles. You actually get to see him play the same scene as Desdemona and again as Othello. Claire Danes is lovely also. Worthwhile!One of the best new movies all year - sparklish
The film is much like a Shakespearean play - high drama, tragedy and comic wit all rolled up in one excellent package. The plot is about so much more than cross-dressing, or a historical drama, and doesn't get carried away with trying to ape Elizabethan speech or mannerism. Instead, the film really questions what it is that makes male or female, what genders us and why certain things are acceptable while others aren't. Crudup puts in a fabulous performance as a male actor used to playing female leads, and Rupert Murdoch is delightful as the King of England. This was one of the best new movies I've seen all year.
Member Reviews
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Dramatic ending, a great surprise! - DonD
Two people - a woman wishes to work in a male-dominated industry and a man who loses his male-ness portraying female characters. They help each other find deeper talents and truth within. Wonderful and dramatic ending! Great acting by all supportive cast...enjoyed ...Review - Stage Beauty - maw-
I didn't know what to expect from this movie - I added it to my list on a whim, based on a mention in a random blog. What a surprise! This is an excellent movie. Billy Crudup does a fabulous job portaying Ned Kenystan, a man who played women's roles. You actually ...One of the best new movies all year - sparklish
The film is much like a Shakespearean play - high drama, tragedy and comic wit all rolled up in one excellent package. The plot is about so much more than cross-dressing, or a historical drama, and doesn't get carried away with trying to ape Elizabethan speech ...