Stage Beauty DVD Review:

Fueled by great performances and a unique subject matter, but often distracted with matters of sexual preference, Stage Beauty arrived too late to work off of Shakespeare in Love’s success and too soon to not be compared to the Oscar winning film. Despite all of the problems with Stage Beauty, it is undeniable that the performances are raw and remarkable, even when the script is unable to match the performances.

In 17th century England, women are forbidden to act on stage, and instead men must play the female roles. Ned Kynaston was the most popular “leading lady” of the time, playing Desdemona in Shakespeare’s Othello, but when the rule is renounced and women are allowed on stage, Ned finds that he is out of a job. Ned is replaced by Maria, his dresser, because she has gained attention for her performances, despite the fact that she cannot act. Ned struggles to play a man’s part but finds it a challenge to suppress his feminine nature. In the most heart-wrenching scene of the film he attempts to perform a male soliloquy for the first time, and he can’t prevent his hands from making feminine gestures or his voice from rising.

Based on the play by Jeffrey Hatcher, Compleat Female Stage Beauty, much of the film is staged in the way a play would be, without much action but no shortage of dialogue. The fault of the film comes from the things which are added into the film. Rather than just discussing the sexuality of Ned, we experience scenes of his preference. This seems to distract from the stronger points of the film, although it does seem to allow for more tension between him and Maria.

Both Billy Crudup and Claire Danes do fantastic jobs as the leading actors, with plenty of great supporting players in the background such as Rupert Everett, Tom Wilkinson, and Ben Chaplin. It seems that this is mostly a one man show though, showcasing Crudup’s amazing ability as a man playing women for a living. As impressive as the scenes in which Crudup is a woman are, they are nothing compared to subtlety in which he plays a man. Rather than overplay the feminine qualities, he is able to portray a much more convincing character with a simple gesture.

The DVD is simply put together which is fitting for this sleeper, but it doesn’t ignore the quality either. There is a wonderful score which is placed over the title menu and enough special features to give homage to the film’s quality. There are interviews and backstage looks, but the most important feature on a film like this is the director’s commentary, in which Richard Eyre gives great insight.

Although many people may compare this film to Shakespeare in Love because of the similar plot and time period, there are great differences in the themes. It is only good to compare the two if it will urge you to watch Stage Beauty, a subtle and often slow moving, but overall rather worthwhile film.

Ryan Izay

Site Contents Copyright© The Z Review, unless used with permission.This site has no intention to infringe on the rights of the film owners of Stage Beauty and intellectual copyright holders of the movies mentioned herein & hold copyright over the movie, characters, merchandise & storyline.