Director Joss Whedon took a break from editing what was to become the biggest movie of 2012, The Avengers, and with a little help from his friends shot Much Ado About Nothing at his home in 12 days. Whedon’s version is different from the classic Kenneth Branagh/Emma Thompson. It’s shot in black & white. The movie is set in the present. I fell in love with Amy Acker as Beatrice (I had also fallen in love with Emma Thompson as Beatrice so at least I’m consistent). This Shakespearian tale of love, evil, and forgiveness has always been a favorite of mine. There’s more here than meets the eye. GRADE: A-
With the elegant dress and sparkling B&W photography — plus the elements of romantic mix-ups– this reminded me of those classic RKO Asaire/Rogers pics, like TOP HAT and GAY DIVORCEE
You’re right, Dan. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING has plenty of retro pizazz!
George–I think you mean “Beatrice.” She and Benedict are my favorite Shakespearian couple.
Deb, of course, you’re right about Beatrice. Bernice is my mother-in-law’s hairdresser! I’ll make that change
Ditto, Deb (and I was going to make that correction too). MUCH ADO is probably my favorite Shakespeare play, or certainly top three. Besides the Branagh movie we’ve seen it on stage several times – they always seem to do it in period. First was the Central Park & Broadway version (we saw it on Broadway, as well as the PBS adaptation) of 1972, with Sam Waterston and Kathleen Widdoes as Benedick & Beatrice (and Barnard Hughes as Dogberry. This was set in 19th Century small town America.
In 1977 we saw it at the Aldwych in London, with Donald Sinden and Judi Dench (neither yet knighted) in a production set in the Raj in India.
And in 1988 it was the Delacorte in Central Park with Kevin Kline and the great Blythe Danner.
Jeff, Dench, Kline, and Danner are some of my favorite actors. I’ve seen MUCH ADO about four or five times with traveling companies. Plenty of fun!
Beatrice Bobs Her Benedict. Oh, wait…
I think it is about the best movie of the summer. Maybe the year so far. ALthough Before Midnight is right up there.
Haven’t had a chance to see this but definitely want to.
The Pierce Brosnan movie has disappeared without a trace. Joe will be watching for it on Netflix.
Todd, you would love Amy Acker’s performance as Beatrice.
Patti, we may go to see BEFORE MIDNIGHT tomorrow. BEFORE MIDNIGHT is already showing up on a lot of YEAR’S BEST MOVIE lists.
LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED came and went here in just a few weeks, Beth. IRON MAN 3 is still doing great business.