Stage Beauty

Product Description:
STAGE BEAUTY (DVD MOVIE)

Amazon.com:
Edward "Ned" Knyaston (Billy Crudup) is a beautiful man, and as an actor in 17th-century London that means he's quite popular portraying women, since females are forbidden to tread the boards. His mischievous air of entitlement, unfortunately, soon sets in motion a chain of events that will see King Charles II (Rupert Everett) lifting the ban on actresses, allowing Ned's devoted dresser, Maria (Claire Danes), to become the city's reigning theatrical diva. Director Richard Eyre (Iris) is still best known for his stage work, and it shows: Stage Beauty is rich in character and attention to detail, yet it doesn't have a popcorn-and-soda pop ease. Jeffrey Hatcher's well-observed script, based on his own play, romps a little self-consciously in Eyre's hands--you can tell it would like to be Shakespeare in Love if it could only relax. The gorgeous Crudup and dewy Danes don't quite click here, but the supporting cast is having a good time going way over-the-top, so if you're hungry for an elaborate historical confection there's enough here to satisfy your taste buds. --Steve Wiecking

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Customer Reviews

Rating: - Theatre History with a Twist
What a great study in theatre history.However indiscriminate the author plays with actual history, he makes up with an engaging relationship between the two leading characters.The costumes are also magnificent.This film is a tribute to the birth of the actress.
Rating: - one of the best movies you've never heard of
I had never heard of this movie before, and rented it on a whim.Though it's not my favorite genre, my wife and I enjoy the occasional historical drama.We were both blown away by how great this movie is.

You might describe this movie as a cross between Shakespeare in Love and Dangerous Liaisons.I reluctantly give it only 4 stars, but only because it is outshone -- barely -- by both of those two masterpieces.And since I'm describing this movie in terms of other period pieces, I ... Read More
Rating: - I thought she really died during the play.
Great movie, very funny and at the same time it's a bit Disturbing(the Ned "guy" got some serious issues).
Rating: - RICHARD EYRE, OPUS 5
***1/2 2004. Directed by Richard Eyre. Subtle and smart variation about the paradox of the actors who must express feelings they don't sense. Two years before shooting Notes on a Scandal, Richard Eyre already delivered a little jewel. Recommended.
Rating: - I rented it--now it's going on my Wish List
Some people may not realize that those lovely female roles the Bard immortalized were at first brought to life by male actors.Ned Kynason (Billy Crudup) was one such actor and the top of his form til King Charles declared that women should play women's roles.

I thought when I came into this that I'd be cheering the women on, but I couldn't quite do that."Stage Beauty" presents both sides of the story with such compassion it's hard not to see how wrenching the whole situation is. ... Read More