Nothing is Truer Than Truth is a 2018 documentary-style film directed by Cheryl Eagan-Donovan that follows the life of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, and the possibility that he could be the true author of William Shakespeareâs works. The film begins with the narrator introducing the idea that Shakespeare could not have written the plays attributed to him, and that Edward de Vere, who was highly educated and involved in the theater, was a more likely candidate. Through interviews with scholars, historians, and de Vere enthusiasts, the film takes us on a journey through de Vereâs life, starting with his childhood and ending with his death.
The movie constantly intercuts the interviews with archival footage, reenacted scenes, and animated sequences to create a visually stimulating experience. We see many of de Vereâs works being performed, as well as events from his life, such as him attending the University of Cambridge and traveling to Italy.
One particular aspect of the film are the interviews with Oxfordian scholars, who espouse the theory that de Vere was the true author of the Shakespearean works. They argue that many of the events in de Vereâs life closely correlate with events in the plays, and that there are many references to de Vereâs life and family lineage in the works.
The film also features interviews with skeptics, who believe that there simply isnât enough evidence to support the idea that de Vere wrote the plays. They argue that the similarities between de Vereâs life and the works could easily be coincidence, and that attributing the plays to him is a stretch.
Throughout the film, we also see interviews with Michael York, who narrates some of the scenes, and Derek Jacobi, who reads some of de Vereâs works. We also hear from Charles Beauclerk, a descendant of de Vere, who provides a personal perspective on his ancestor.
Aside from the debate over the authorship of Shakespeareâs plays, the film also touches on topics such as the role of the arts in society and the nature of identity. We see that de Vere struggled with identity and his place in society, and that his works reflect this.
In terms of the technical aspects of the film, the music and sound design are noteworthy. The film features a score by composer Craig Brandwein, as well as period music that adds to the immersive experience. The sound design also helps to create an immersive atmosphere, with sounds of horses, crowds, and other environmental noises accompanying many of the scenes.
Overall, Nothing is Truer Than Truth is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the possibility that Edward de Vere was the true author of Shakespeareâs plays. Through a combination of interviews, reenactments, and animations, the film provides a visual feast for the eyes while also delving into the debates and theories surrounding the Shakespeare authorship question.
Nothing is Truer Than Truth is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.
