Director Roland Emmerich takes a page from Oliver Stone's conspiracy playbook to dig into one of the biggest literary debates of all time. Emmerich's new film, "Anonymous," suggests that William Shakespeare was little more than an opportunistic actor who jumped at the chance to take credit for the works of Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford.

The question is whether this is the truth or much ado about nothing.

With such a film, it doesn't matter which side of the accusations you believe. The only true measurement is how well Emmerich and screenwriter John Orloff bring the tale to life.

Emmerich attacks the story with a visual boldness he displayed in "Independence Day" to create the world of London, from muddy streets to magnificent costumes. He uses the detailed backdrop to present a tale of sex, violence, incest, betrayal and greed that rivals any great soap opera.

Though the heart of the film might be the truth about Shakespeare, it's only a spark for a broader story of politics and passion.

Emmerich has given the film a richness through the cast of characters that run from paupers to the queen. Rhys Ifans anchors the effort with his portrayal of the Earl of Oxford, a man tormented by his artistic abilities. There's a power and a pain in his performance that makes the earl as rich as the characters created by Shakespeare.

Jamie Campbell Bower is equally strong as the younger version of the earl.

Emmerich strikes double gold with Joely Richardson and Vanessa Redgrave playing the younger and older Queen Elizabeth I. Richardson's performance combines a youthful enthusiasm with the bewilderment of a young monarch, while Redgrave brings a royal grandeur to the ailing queen.

The biggest problem is the script, which feels like it's missing the first act. Unless you're an expert in British history, the characters come across muddled. It doesn't help that the story line bounces between multiple years. But, the mud does settle by the final act.

"Anonymous" is not a midsummer's night dream, but it is solid entertainment for a fall evening.