The fact that Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing even exists is remarkable. Whedon’s adaption of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, shot in twelve days at his own home in California, is the result of an impulsive decision to make a movie rather than take a vacation. It is set in modern times yet keeps with the language used in the original play – with some slight changes. The film is entirely in black and white; while this is a result of time constraints and limited sets, it adds a feeling of timelessness and sets the stage for some breathtaking cinematography.
The story begins with the arrival of Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), Claudio (Fran Kranz), the malevolent Don John (Sean Maher), and Benedick (Alexis Denisoff) at the house of Leonato (Clark Gregg). Upon their arrival, Claudio tells Don Pedro that he has fallen for Leonato’s daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese). Thus begins a week of meddling, drinking, and general mischief making.
Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof are endlessly amusing as Beatrice and Benedick; a particular eavesdropping scene is one of the most comical pieces of cinema I’ve ever seen. Watching their battle of wits kept my brain active as well as entertained throughout the entire film. Although Hero and Claudio are technically the leads of this story, I’d say without a doubt that Beatrice and Benedick are the more memorable roles.
Between Beatrice and Benedick’s verbal sparring and constable Dogberry’s antics (played by Nathan Fillion), Much Ado About Nothing will have you laughing out loud. Yet the plot turns to a more serious place when Don John initiates a plot to sabotage Claudio and Hero’s engagement. Although all the actors showed their versatility, Acker really blew me away; she shows the many sides of Beatrice and her deliverance of the "Were I A Man" speech is powerful and deeply moving.
As a fan of both Whedon and Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and would definitely recommend it.
Grade: A
Much Ado About Nothing is now available on VOD, Blu-ray and DVD.
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