Revealing mistake: When Shakespeare is getting dressed and talking with Viola in the bedroom, you get a quick glimpse of Joseph Fiennes' modern day men's briefs under his tunic.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: John Madden
Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes
At the Romeo and Juliet premiere, the actor playing Juliet loses his voice, rendering him incapable of performing. Immediately after her wedding to Lord Wessex, Viola bolts from the church and runs to the theatre to see the play. Overhearing that the performance is in trouble, she steps in as her alter ego, 'Tomas Kent,' and plays Juliet, and Shakespeare plays Romeo. As the play ends, the audience roars with approval. Just then the magistrate bursts in, accusing Shakespeare of breaking the law. "That woman is a WOMAN!" Queen Elizabeth, who is in attendance, intervenes and tells the magistrate he is mistaken; it is obvious 'Thomas Kent' is not a woman although "the illusion is remarkable." Lord Wessex arrives looking for his runaway bride, and Elizabeth informs him he has lost his wager - that a play can show the truth and nature of love. He grudgingly pays up. Elizabeth sends 'Thomas Kent' back into the theatre to fetch Lady Wessex (Viola). She also commands a message be delivered to Master Shakespeare to write a comedy for the upcoming Twelfth Night celebration. Viola and Shakespeare make their sad farewells, and Viola departs with Lord Wessex for the American colonies. Shakespeare writes Twelfth Night as an ode to his muse and lost love, Viola.
A.J.
More mistakes in Shakespeare in Love
Queen Elizabeth: Have her then, but you're a lordly fool: she's been plucked since I saw her last, and not by you. Takes a woman to know it.
Trivia: Rupert Everett/Christopher Marlow 's name does not appear at any point in the credits at the end of the film. This was due to Everett's decision.
More questions & answers from Shakespeare in Love
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Chosen answer: When they are in the boat, just after "Thomas Kent" delivered Viola's farewell letter to Shakespeare. After a brief discussion about Will's feeling's for Viola, Thomas (Viola) kisses a surprised Will Shakespeare, then rushes away when the boat docks. The ferryman comments to Will that it was actually Lady Viola.
raywest ★