If you like very good adaptations of classic plays then Much Ado About Nothing is for you. It stars Amy Acker as Beatrice, Alexis Densiof as Benedick, Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, Clark Gregg as Leonato, Reed Diamond as Don Pedro, Fran Kranz as Claudio, Jillian Morgese as Hero, Sean Maher as Don Jon, Spencer Treat Clark as Borachio, Riki Lindhome as Conrade, Ashley Johnson as Margret, Emma Bates as Ursula, and Tom Lenk as Verges. All of these actors have worked with or are Whedon’s friends. This was filmed at his house over 12 days.
Much Ado About Nothing is a new adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Much Ado About Nothing is about after Don Pedro,Claudio, and Benedick after they return to Messina from battle. Claudio falls for the govenors’s daughter and they plan to marry. There is also a war of words between Beatrice and Benedick. Don Jon, Don Pedro’s brother, does not want the marrige of Claudio and Hero (governor’s daughter) to occur so he starts a rumor. Meanwhile, Hero,Don Pedro, and Leonato plan to trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling for each other.
Much Ado About Nothing a very good adaptation of the play. It is different due to it’s unique style. The style is black and white and the movie is set in the present day but they still do speak in Old English.This style is unique and very well done. It is not over stylized but more everpresent letting the story and acting take center stage.
It also does not feel too modernized with just the right amount of present day references. There are cars, cameras and cell phones but their appearances are uncommon.
The direction by Joss Whedon is excellent. He frames the shots so that while it is obvious that it is set in the modern day, there are no TV’s or cell phones in everyshot so the modernzation does not feel over the top. Filming in black and white creates a non specific time period and location, which adds to the style and feel of the movie.
The play itself also translates very well with some adaptation to the modern day setting. It old english dialogue does take some getting used to but within the first 15 minuets, you get used to it and you are understanding it without any problems.
It is also very funny. People in general seems to remember Shakespeare for his tragedies ( Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth,) not his comedies ( This, Comedy of Errors). The movies is very funny and fun. The comedy comes both from the words and the physical comedy in some secnes.
Just like any good Shakesepearian troupe, the acting is very well done by the whole ensemble. Overall, Much Ado About Nothing is a stylish adaptation.
Much Ado About Nothing is rated PG-13 for some sexuality and brief drug use. They also drink a ton of liquor. I give Much Ado About Nothing a stylish B+.
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