Watch Stage Beauty

Stage Beauty is a period drama movie from 2004, directed by Richard Eyre and starring Billy Crudup, Claire Danes, and Rupert Everett. It is set in the 17th century, in England, during the Restoration era, and it showcases the battle between traditional and modern attitudes towards gender roles in the theater. Billy Crudup portrays Ned Kynaston, a celebrated actor who specializes in playing female roles on stage, a practice that was common in that time period, as women were not allowed to perform publicly. He is the star of his theater company, and his most famous role is that of Desdemona in Shakespeare's Othello. He is also known for his beauty, and his followers include not only theatre-goers but members of the royal court.

Nell Gwynne, played by Claire Danes, is a young orange-seller who aspires to be an actress. She is fascinated by Ned Kynaston's performances and dreams of playing women's roles on stage herself. When King Charles II (Rupert Everett) decides to allow women to appear in public productions, it marks the end of Ned Kynaston's career, as he is replaced by Nell Gwynne, who proves to be a popular actress with the public.

The movie shows the struggle that Ned Kynaston faces in adapting to the new situation and coming to terms with the fact that women can now play the roles he has made his own. He is forced to reexamine his identity and understand his place in the theatre world. Along the way, he becomes a costume designer for the new actresses, and he slowly learns to embrace his masculinity and develop a new talent.

Claire Danes is brilliant as Nell Gwynne, a spirited and determined young woman who wants to change her own fate by becoming an actress. She is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by men, and she quickly becomes a star of the stage, thanks to her talent and charm. Her chemistry with Billy Crudup is palpable, charged with tension, and they deliver some of the movie's most powerful scenes.

Rupert Everett delivers a memorable performance as King Charles II, a monarch with a passion for theatre and the arts. He is fascinated by Nell Gwynne, who becomes his mistress and a powerful figure in his court, and he is also in awe of Ned Kynaston's beauty and talent. His love for the theatre becomes a key element in the plot, as it leads him to grant women the right to perform publicly and challenge the traditional gender roles of the time.

Stage Beauty is a movie about the power of performance and the art of acting, as well as an exploration of gender identity, sexuality, and class. It is a visually stunning film, with lavish costumes, sets, and makeup that bring the audience back in time and immerse them in the world of the theater. The plot is compelling, engaging, and thought-provoking, and the performances by the cast are outstanding.

Overall, Stage Beauty is a must-watch for fans of period dramas, Shakespeare, and theatre in general. It is a movie that will make you think, feel, and appreciate the art of acting, and it is a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of history with a modern twist.

Stage Beauty is a 2004 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 64.