It is not the lines that create laughter, but the physical actions of the character, example Benedick (act two, scene three) and his prop, which is a chair. As he struggles to sit in this chair, it provides the viewer with laughter without words having to be said. The way the scenes are set up, and the delivery of lines by the actors in the film, also contribute to the hilariousness of the film. Expression and action usually plays a large part in a comedy and are things that are better to be seen, rather than read on a written page.
The film offers many advantages that a play on a stage cannot posses. The film gives a more “3-D” overview of the plot, and is easier for someone to be consumed and pulled into the play. They setting, which is in Italy, is move vibrant since it was actually shot in Italy, brings more of a relatable reality aspect than a few props on a stage would have to mimic the environment to give the audience an idea of what time day, place or symbol of
each setting means. Though the actual text would still be better preferred over the film
since the film does not completely stay true to the play. Some lines are omitted and scenes have been rearranged.
While there is happiness and humor, there is also much drama in “Much ado about nothing”. There is the use of pathos and poignancy. And emotions and feelings run high in different situations as deception makes its way around to every character. Claudio is easily deceived to believe Don John when he says that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. Beatrice and Benedick are quickly deceived by the trick played upon them to fall in love, without question. The list of deception could on and on, noting that there is positive and negative deception by characters.
Each scene moves along smoothly as it is brought to life and it is almost impossible not to get caught up by the experiences the actors paint. The actors chosen for the film, each suited their role. Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson both depict a flawless performance as Benedick and Beatrice. Their chemistry is highly apparent and their opposed disdain and remarks about and towards each other is what makes one want to keep watching tot see more of their merry madness. David Butterworth says, “Much ado may be almost 400 years old, but time has not dated the battle of the sexes”.
Denzel Washington was an excellent choice of Don Pedro. He represents the charm and well-mannered character that Shakespeare illustrates in his play write. He may not have been the most common choice, because of his race, but it is evident that race is of no issue in this film. The casting of Keanu Reeves as a different race of than of his supposed brother, gives one a good contrast and was probably one of the director’s daring moves, but works out just as fine, since they fit in with the rest of the cast quite perfectly. Keanu did a fine performance as Don John, and embodies the treacherous, sinister schemer that Don John is, though he may not be a man of many words. James Berardinelli remarks, “There is fire in his eyes and his few lines are delivered with cold ruthlessness”.
Robert Sean Leonard makes the perfect Claudio showing the right personality and gestures for the part. Hero, which is played by Kate Beckinsale, captures the delicate and innocence of the role of Hero that Shakespeare presents in his play.
Michael Keaton, who plays Dogberry in the film, yields the most humor in the film. Is performance is one of the most comedic of the whole cast and as over the top as necessary, as he gallops around on a non-existent horse.
The choice of costume in the film while seemingly may not have a major role in the film; it does have greater inner meaning. The choice of white wardrobe for the women can be seen to be symbol of chastity and purity, hence why Beatrice and Hero are seen through out the whole movie dawning white attire. Though united as an army, the men seem to have a divided colour scheme that can be noticed right from the onset. Don Pedro, Claudio and Benedick all wear blue attire while Don John, Borachio and Conrad all wear the colours of black. This automatically aware the view of the division between them.
There are not many negative aspects of the film, Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation is critically acclaimed and the true essence of Shakespeare shines true in the film. It was well directed from a camera point of view to make the movie clear, since the play cannot offer such wonderful insights.