I wouldn’t have believed that Joss Whedon’s modern rendition of William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing could have captivated a movie audience for its entire 110-minute run-time, but, clearly, I underestimated both Whedon and Shakespeare. This tale of two sets of lovers – Hero and Claudio; Beatrice and Benedick – benefits greatly from Shakespeare’s well-placed comedic barbs, as well as two plot twists that provide enough conflict and tension to keep the audience entertained. The film is shot in black and white and this adds an aged quality to the film, and its location – Whedon’s own home – provides a fitting backdrop for a comedy of errors.
All in all, I would highly recommend seeing this movie. Though the language may seem stilted at first, it will not be long before your ear adjusts and you understand the play just as Shakespeare wrote it. Whedon’s creative choices only enhance the storyline and prove how timeless Shakespeare truly is. So, don’t be afraid to see this film. Instead, head right out to your local theater and support this wonderful creative effort. You will emerge understanding the story line of this play better, and feeling happy that you’ve spent nearly two hours with this zany characters in a complicated world of their own making.
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