It was one role in particular, though, that inspiredKenneth Branaghs Shakespeare biopicAll Is True.
It started with a production ofThe Winters Tale,with Judi Dench playing Paulina.
Perhaps the strongest women in Shakespeare, Branagh tells EW of the project.
Credit: Robert Youngson/Sony Pictures Classics
Because of this Dench was the only choice to play Anne.
Shakespeares wife was famously nine years his senior, while Branagh and Dench are 26 years apart.
She is someone who also brings all that under-the-skin knowledge.
Anthony Harvey/Getty Images
She spent so many years in Stratford as an actress with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
[Her] familiarity, both with the plays and the places of the story, was unique.
As for Branagh, the key to Will himself came through many channels.
Firstly, from the plays and the facts of his life.
I should, in fact, make a run at get me out of the way.
Ultimately, Branagh decided on heavy make-up but to leave his eyes their natural color (i.e.
sans colored contact lenses).
I found it was very helpful to have that transporting, different visual and physical impression.
For me, it was a tremendous help to go and visit the man in that way.
All Is Truehits theaters May 10.
