Much Ado About Nothing
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DVD Review
Ratings And Purchasing Information
Review
Kenneth Branagh works his usual magic on Shakespeare in this sunny adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. The plot could be written on a postage stamp, but that doesn’t spoil the fun. Don Pedro (Denzel Washington) stops by at the home of Leonato (Richard Briers) on his way home from a war. With him is Benedick (Branagh) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard) and his bastard brother, Don John (Keanu Reeves). Claudio falls in love with Leonato’s daughter Hero (Kate Beckinsale), while Benedick swaps insults with Leonato’s niece, Beatrice (Emma Thompson). On the eve of their wedding, Claudio is led to believe that Hero has been unfaithful to him, so he cruelly shames her in front of her family at the alter, leading to what he believes is her untimely death.
The scenery is wonderful, and the cast energetic in their enjoyment of the material, from the opening credits, where Emma Thompson’s Beatrice reads poetry whilst eating strawberries, to the end where everyone dances to celebrate the happy ending.
This being a Shakespeare comedy, no one really dies, and there are many laughs to be had before the young lovers are reunited, particularly from the malapropic constable (Michael Keaton) who unwittingly detects the truth with his sidekick, played by Ben Elton (who looked just happy to be there).
However, the best lines are saved for Branagh and Thompson, as the ‘love to hate each other’ Benedick and Beatrice. The funniest scene comes when Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio have a loud conversation within Benedick’s hearing, declaring that Beatrice is in love with Benedick but too proud to say so.
Denzel Washington is particularly good as Don Pedro (I’m not sure I’d have turned down his proposal!) as is Richard Briers. Keanu Reeves is characteristically monosyllabic as Don John, who, for reasons best known to himself, schemes to part the lovers. The supporting cast are drawn from the best of British stage talent; Brian Blessed, Imelda Staunton, Phyllida Law.
Only Robert Sean Leonard let the side down. He was neither convincing as a young man happily in love, or miserably grieving. In fact in the scene where he is supposed to be grief stricken he looks more in need of ex-lax. Luckily, the lovely Kate Beckinsale as Hero acted well enough for both of them.
This is a real feel good film, shot amidst the breathtaking scenery of Tuscany, in glorious sunshine. It’s worth watching for the scenery alone. Wish You Were Here couldn’t have produced a better advertisement for Italy.
Unfortunately the disc I own is let down by being very basic with regard to extras (later editions may have more to offer) The sound is good (Dolby Pro Logic) but there are no subtitles for the hard of hearing, or any other extras other than scene selection.
Note: This DVD is apparently deleted in the UK, but some places are still selling old copies, and it is available in Region 1.
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