REVIEW of SHAKESPEARE: The Truth Behind the Name, directed by Robin Phillips
“Generally it has been accepted that William ‘Shakspere’, known as the English national poet, was the historical William Shakespeare. At least that’;s what I believed to be true, until I watched (SHAKESPEARE: The Truth Behind the Name) and Robin Phillips managed to ruin all that!
Actually, her case is so compelling, it is hard to imagine anyone successfully challenging her claims...yet they do. Why? Politics and tradition, of course. We seem to live in a world where politics and tradition still carry more weight than uncovering the truth.
Phillips aka Christina di Mario, does a fabulous job stating her case and leaving little doubt as to who Shakespeare really was, dispelling the commonly accepted myth. She uses timelines between Shakspere the commoner and the publishing of the great works, as well as giving an account of his life, to illustrate why it couldn’t possibly be him, and to shed light on the author’s true identity.
(This film) is a brilliant documentary with a massive amount of information...It is easy to see where the fascination with the author comes from...This was an ambitious undertaking and without question, a labor of love. As the writer, director and narrator, it’s easy to see and hear the passion in each word. There’s an enthusiasm that is quite contagious as clues and truths are revealed and old arguments crumble and fall...
I love the project and happen to be a Shakespeare fan and love that period in history. For Phillips, a first time filmmaker, tackling a feature is massive...I loved the project and this is a film to be proud of. I can absolutely see the History Channel or PBS picking this up. Excellent work.”
Brian Lutes October 24, 2020 for WORLD PREMIERE FILM AWARDS 2020
Best Educational Feature; Best 1st Time Filmmaker Feature; Best Costuming, Documentary.
