Film: "Much Ado about Nothing"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Willam Shakespeare's "Much Ado about Nothing" is an enchanting world filled with believable drama and mostly solid acting; moreover, Branagh was extremely successful in allowing contemporary audiences an aperture by which to understand Shakespeare by weaving the original text into the film in such a way that it becomes both intelligible and unobtrusive. The author points out that the sacrifices in Branagh's adaptation is the play's subtle theme of appearance versus reality; wherein, whether through his addition of new material for the screen or his partial omissions of Shakespeare's text, Branagh has eliminated all of the mystery and ambiguity that Shakespeare crafted into his characters. The paper analyzes the portrayal of the characters Benedick, Beatrice, Claudio and Branagh.

From the Paper:

"Branagh's Don Pedro, however, lacks this ambiguity. Another creative liberty with Shakespeare's text is the addition of Denzel Washington's ever-stylish and ever-fearless persona to Don Pedro. As the veteran American actor is cast for the role, he seems slightly out of place. His attitude is always cautious and carefree; the actor easily brings his effortless delivery and commanding persona to the role. This is not always a good thing, however: when Don Pedro offers his hand in marriage to Beatrice, Washington says his lines coolly and nonchalantly, and the delivery offers no possibility that Don Pedro might seek Beatrice for himself. Branagh also diffuses the mystery behind Pedro's wooing of Hero through his directorial choices. When Don Pedro and Claudio walk through the garden, they address each other as equals, wear the same clothing, and talk openly."

More papers on Film: "Much Ado about Nothing":

• Film Review # 105891 : "Branagh and 'Much Ado About Nothing'"
• Analytical Essay # 67527 : "Kenneth Branagh's Version of "Much Ado About Nothing"
• Comparison Essay # 25201 : "Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing"

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