Directed by: Joss Whedon
Cast: Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher and Jillian Morgese.
‘Much Ado About Nothing” is really “Something”. Something very special. First of all, it was made by the extremely talented, 3rd generation Hollywood screenwriter and director Joss Whedon (The Avengers, Firefly, Buffy, Angel). Then, Whedon called upon the members of his regular ensemble of talented actors, and filmed this modern-dress version of Shakespeare’s comedy in 12 days within the confines of his Santa Monica estate. Lastly, he did it as his vacation, sort of a labor of love, between the shooting and the editing of his Mega-Hit “Avengers” movie. Personally I’d have gone to Italy, but I’m really glad Mr. Whedon didn’t. I’d have missed the best version of this play, ever.
Why Shakespeare? And Why this story? And why now? Whedon summed up his interest in the play in an interview he gave a while ago, “It’s a very cynically romantic text about love, and how we behave, and how we’re expected to behave. It’s a party, but there’s something darker there as well”. Yes, darker and brought to you in glorious living Black & White. Yet, it’s still a romantic comedy given a modern spin with a lively spirit that raises it and its actors to the point of exhilaration.
Here, if you don’t already know, is the storyline:
Returning from a victorious campaign against his brother, Don Pedro visits his friend Leonato, the governor of Messina. He brings with him two officers, Benedick and Claudio. Claudio immediately falls head over heels for Hero, daughter of Leonato, while Benedick spars with an old flame, the beautiful, self-proclaimed spinster Beatrice. What transpires next is a comedy of errors as everyone either tries to create romantic bonds or tries to destroy them. Will the two couples find true happiness? Will love prevail? Who knows, but it’s great fun to watch.
Being Shakespeare, it takes a short while to get into the film; the language from the original text is for the most part intact. However, if you’re worried about understanding it, don’t let that stop you from seeing the film, the actors are all so good, you’ll understand it with virtually no problem.
It’s hard to pick any standout performances, since the ensemble works so well together but, Amy Acker and Alex Denisof as the bickering lovers are just wonderful and they play their parts with a euphoria we seldom see on screen any more, and the always interesting Nathan Fillion is just plan hilarious. Whedon also deserves kudos for his direction of the film, it is totally his vision and that proves to be the brilliance of this version of the story.
My take, romance is always fun to watch; it never runs smooth and easy. This story shows just how rocky it is and has always been. It’s Shakespeare for a modern audience. What could be better than to see the past come alive as true today as it was hundreds of years ago? See the movie.
