Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that when looking at the effectiveness of a film-interpretation of any Shakespeare play one has to determine whether or not the staging, blocking, sets, props and scenery interfere with or enhance the dialogue. The writer maintains that overall, Kenneth Branagh's production of 'Much Ado About Nothing', succeeds in this - the setting and staging rarely step on the dialogue. The writer notes that unlike the opening of the play, Branagh's version begins with, essentially, a musical number. The success of this complete reinterpretation of the original is in true keeping with the spirit of fun and frivolity of the play itself. The writer discusses that while this departs significantly from anything Shakespeare wrote, Branagh's opening stands as a significant success and does nothing but enhance and, when compared side-by-side with other scenes, proves to be one of the most effective scenes in the film.

From the Paper:

"Traditionally, the play opens with the messenger arriving to tell of the arrival of Don Pedro. In this, we are given the setting and, just as effectively, an understanding of the comedy to ensue. But, in Branagh's version, going from the printed words, fading out, and then the fade in to the pastoral scene in which all of the characters living in Messina are frolicking carefree on the Italian hillside seemingly celebrating nothing but life itself. We see, viscerally, that these are children, adults living a life of ease and free from worry. There is laughter, play, teasing, and an absolute sense of ease between the characters that either sets the tone for the entire movie or, in another context, would be the setup for great tragedy later on - which, of course, there is a lot of the former and a little of the latter throughout. This feeling is exactly what Shakespeare sought to convey in the play."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Much Ado About Nothing: Kenneth Branagh

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