Much Ado About Nothing (WS/RPKG/DVD)

It's been years since I first saw this in the theaters and fell in love with the production. I must have watched the VCR version about 4 more times afterwards. And now I finally have it on DVD! This movie was a turning point of sorts for me--finally, I connected with Shakespeare. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson's exquisite performances made the words leap off the page and take flight. Despite the intricate prose (albeit with a couple of scenes and lines deleted), the Elizabeathan English made sense to me as it never had before. I was originally surprised to find out such witicisms as "Here comes the Prince and Monsiuer Love" and "There's a double meaning in that" were direct from the play itself, and not anachronistic additions by Branagh. Simply said, this production and Branagh's scintillating direction re-introduced my high school-Shakespeare-weary self to Shakespeare as a comic and dramatic genius.The sparks between Branagh and Thompson's Benedick and Beatrice and powerful and passionate, and Shakepeare's conception of love borne out of the desire not to have one's enemy's love go unrequited--though it is suggested throughout that B&B might have been lovers fallen out of love before the play begins--is hilarious while it is insightful. The scene in the garden where Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato deceive Benedick has me laughing out loud no matter how many times I view the scene.And speaking of Don Pedro, bravo to Branagh for casting Denzel Washington--a risky choice, no doubt, but one that worked out to perfection. I'm so used to seeing Washington as an angry black man in films focusing on either civil rights, hostage crises, or serial killers, that it is delightful to see him here as a magestic, jovial Italian prince--benignly leading the shenanigans.Alas, there are some weaknesses, such as Michael Keaton channeling Beetlejuice into his interpretation of Dogberry, though the malapropisms are hilarious (I would bestow all my tediousness on you!). Similarly, Keanu Reeves as Don John is dull. However, the radiance that is Thompson and Branagh in this gloriously sunlight adaption outweigh that concern. Robert Sean Leonard is fine as Claudio: earnest and gullible to a fault. Kate Beckinsdale is the picture of innocent maidenhood. Also, one plot point that always annoyed me: why didn't Margaret come forward? I suppose it was fear of the consequences to herself, but given such a selfish motivation when Hero's life and honor are at stake makes the easy way in which she is forgiven at the end seem a bit unbelievable, even for an unbelievable play.Ah well, in his comedies, Shakespeare is the king of happy coincidences and useful contrivances. It's a minor point.

1993's "Much Ado About Nothing" is Kenneth Branagh's superb film rendering of Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy. Veteran Shakespeare actors Branagh, Emma Thompson, and Brian Blessed are joined by veteran Hollywood actors Denzel Washington and Michael Keaton. The movie features the then-young actors Keanu Reeves, Robert Sean Leondard, and Kate Beckinsale.The movie is set at a sun-drenched and sumptious villa in Tuscany, where all have assembled for the pending wedding of Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) and Hero (Kate Beckinsale). To the pass the time before the wedding, Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) sets up a romantic trap for the confirmed bachelor Benedick (Branagh) and his arch nemesis Beatrice (Thompson), who delight in their verbal tormenting of each other. Don Pedro allows the two to believe that each is intent on wooing the other. This deception is the heart of the movie, as through some delightful dialogue and hilarious scenes, Beatrice and Benedick arrive at a new appreciation of each other.The romantic mood is almost spoiled by Don Juan (Keanu Reeves), who seeks to undermine the relationship of Claudio and Hero by suggesting that Hero has been unfaithful. Reeves looks uncomfortable with the material and his wooden performance as the villian shows it. Fortunately, the local sheriff (Michael Keaton), a bumbling, manic barrage of malapropisms, uncovers Don Juan's plot and saves the day.This overlooked movie is highly recommended to fans of Shakespeare and Kenneth Branagh's film adaptations of them.

A marvellous depiction of this Shakespeare classic. We DID get to go to this venue in Italy, which is now a private hotel. I got to sneak into the back gardens to feel all the joy of the music and dancing in this beloved film. Good to play over and over again!

I love the movie makes you fill your in Toscany makes you want to be there.