Bill

Bill, released in 2015, is an extraordinary jovial and saucy British comedy that captures an enigmatic era of English history through an enjoyable assortment of events. This comedy film portrays an alternate vision of the early life of William Shakespeare before his rise to historical fame and packed with laugh and lively humor; this inimitable dramatization is sure to keep audience’s eyes glued to the screen. Directed by Richard Bracewell, starring Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, and other acclaimed British actors, this film infuses elements of humour, historical fiction, adventure, and drama, carefully intertwining these different genres into an entertaining blend.

The movie unfolds with William 'Bill' Shakespeare, played strikingly by Mathew Baynton, as he finds himself idly playing lute in a small provincial band. Discontent with his monotonous life, he aspires of achieving something more substantial. Tired of the daily routine and the creative limitations laid by his quibbling bandmates, Bill decides to leave his trumpet and band behind, thus embarking on a quest from lute player to becoming one of literature's most profound figures.

Bill brings a distinctly silly and delightful rendering of Shakespeare’s lost years, envisioning a plot that borders fantasy and ‘what could have been’ scenarios. The script teems with intelligent plays on the English language, giving a cheeky nod to Shakespeare's known works throughout the narration, thus demonstrating the breadth of their parodic ambition. From writing what would be his first play to his interaction with various historical figures, Bill finds himself in a whirlpool of wacky situations and hilarious escapades that serve to further his legendary status.

What makes Bill stand out is the secondary plot that complements Shakespeare's journey towards success. The movie introduces the character of King Phillip II of Spain, played with comedic gusto by Simon Farnaby, who conceives a rather absurd plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. What follows is a zany chain of events, laced with humor and drama, which ties the storyline together and propels the narrative in unexpected directions.

Performance-wise, each actor in Bill is given a chance to stretch their comedic muscles. Mathew Baynton gives a charming and affable performance as Bill Shakespeare, creating a likable character while maintaining a consistently high level of humour. Simon Farnaby impresses equally with his multi-layered performance as the flamboyant King Philip II of Spain and sidekick Croydon. Martha Howe-Douglas delivers a standout performance as the headstrong and purposeful Queen Elizabeth I, providing loads of humour and sheer wit through her character.

The comedy in Bill extensively plays on the eccentrics of its period setting. The film is not shy in taking comical inspiration from the absurdist aspect of Shakespearean drama; it does so with sparkling wit and humor that completely engages viewers. There are many memorable moments that have the power to incite laughter, thanks to the brilliant script peppered with wordplay and one-liners.

Bill is a family-friendly comedy film, pure entertainment from start to finish. At the heart of the film lies a wildly entertaining and unpredictably quirky plot that traverses history with sessions of mold-breaking humor. The filmmakers have done a wonderful job balancing the different comedy elements: slapstick, puns, and anachronisms are scattered liberally throughout the film, rewarding repeated viewings.

Aesthetically, the film is also pleasing, boasting impressive production design and costumes that fit perfectly with the setting of the period. The cinematography feels smooth and adds to the ambiance of the Elizabethan era. The music, too, synchronizes well with the plot of the movie, underscoring the humor and enhancing the film's overall feel.

In conclusion, Bill is a gem of a comedy film, offering a fresh, innovative, and immensely enjoyable take on one of history’s most adored figures, William Shakespeare. The clever script, power-packed performances, and satirical approach, combined with the inventive plot, make it a standout comical flick. Whether you're in it for the funny re-imagination of Shakespeare, the talented leading actors, or just to enjoy a good laugh, Bill is a film that surely won't disappoint.