Shakespeare purists may not be too fond of Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing. It’s not that it’s unfaithful to the original text, per se – on the contrary, the integrity of the script itself is well maintained, save for a few minor changes – it’s just that the presentation of said text is quite a bit more relaxed than is often the case with such elevated, archaic language. For the open-minded, however, the film is an undeniable triumph.
The plot is the same as Shakespeare’s original, except for the updated setting. “Don Pedro” (Reed Diamond) and his entourage are returning home from the wars and make a stop at the home of “Leonato” (Clark Gregg), whose daughter “Hero” (Jillian Morgese) falls instantly in love with valiant soldier “Claudio” (Fran Kranz). Alas, the young couple’s romance is hampered by the wicked machinations of Don Pedro’s brother, “Don John” (Reed Diamond), and many misunderstandings ensue – all while “Benedick” and “Beatrice” (Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker) engage in verbal warfare.
What makes the movie different from previous adaptations – particularly Kenneth Branagh’s pleasant but somewhat overemphatic 1993 version – is its simplicity. It’s a subtle, clean film, shot entirely in black-and-white over the course of 12 days at Whedon’s California home. What’s more, it’s genuinely hysterical, operating at warp speed and hitting all the right comedic notes without ever overdoing it.
Much of the film’s success can also be attributed to the stellar cast, comprised mostly of familiar faces from other Whedon projects. As Benedick, Denisof is a delight, striking a perfect balance between gratingly obnoxious and warmly affable. He has an ideal scene partner in Acker, whose biting wit and raw, open vulnerability bring unexpected nuance to her well-known character.
Again, if you like your Shakespeare completely classical, this particular Much Ado probably isn’t for you. If it’s an update you’re after, though, Whedon’s film is a must-see. He’s taken a classic play and turned it into a slick, sexy, and unabashedly contemporary movie, and the result is utterly charming.
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