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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Lions Gate
Salesrank: 15378
Released: March 8, 2005 |
| Our Price: $4.98 |
| Used Price: $1.07 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
STAGE BEAUTY (DVD MOVIE)
Description of Stage Beauty:
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
Stage Beauty Reviews:
A gem 
2009-11-30 - I'd never heard of this 2005 movie when I saw it on TV in 2009. What a failure of publicity! For me, it was everything 'Shakespeare in Love' should have been and wasn't. Billy Crudup, as the man who's been through a lifetime training regime equal in perversity to that in 'Mao's Last Dancer' or 'Farewell My Concubine,' but finds his skills superceded in his prime, is absolutely brilliant. He explores his craft and, through it, himself, taking us along for the ride. Clare Danes, as the woman who loves Crudup from afar but aspires to act the parts he plays, manages an incredibly demanding role with great verve and subtlety. It's hard to believe they are both Americans--they inhabit Restoration England as though they were born there. The rest of the cast are just as good, especially Rupert Everett as Charles II--full marks to the casting director. And the script was a joy to hear unfold. Witty lines and knowing insights emerge in every scene. If only there were more films like this! A completely satisfying entertainment experience.
Theatre History with a Twist
2009-04-27 - 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.
one of the best movies you've never heard of 
2009-04-26 - 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 also view it as not unlike Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead. Both R&GAD and Stage Beauty riff heavily off of Shakespeare and are just shy of perfection in that they aren't quite as emotionally captivating as the truly great historical dramas.
Stage Beauty is set in the time when women were not allowed to act. All female parts were played by men. The story centers around London's leading "female" actor, the toast of the town, and his chamber maid, a nobody secretly in love both with her master and with the allure of the stage itself. The maid performs as London's first actress, illegally, to explosive consequences. When the star discovers her crime, he is deeply threatened, as he has acted the part of women his entire life, and his identity is deeply rooted in cross-dressing stardom. The battle lines are drawn! I won't spoil the whole story. Suffice it to say it's full of palace intrigue, sexual politics, divided loyalties, with imperfect heroes facing the competing impulses of betrayal and redemption.
Two aspects of this movie were utterly superb. First, there is the profoundly deep and textured story line, with layer upon layer of meaning and emotion. I suspect you could watch this film a dozen times and write an essay on its themes, and still find greater depths of meaning upon the next viewing. Knowledge of Shakespearean plays will provide an additional dimension of enjoyment, but is not necessary to love the movie. And second is Billy Crudup's Oscar-worthy performance. I'm offended he wasn't at least nominated. His scenes, both as man and as woman, are expertly acted, but what puts his performance over the top into greatness is his masterful use of gesture. You rarely see such complex emotion communicated with a simple hand movement.
I would call this movie a "sleeper hit". It definitely deserves better than the complete obscurity it seems to have found. If you enjoy historical dramas or character studies at all, definitely give this one a try.
I thought she really died during the play.
2008-09-05 - Great movie, very funny and at the same time it's a bit Disturbing(the Ned "guy" got some serious issues).
RICHARD EYRE, OPUS 5
2007-12-14 - ***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.
