Much Ado About Nothing

Centered around the romances of Hero (Kate Beckinsale) and Claudio (Robert Sean Leonard), and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh) and Beatrice (Emma Thompson), the story follows these very different courtships. For Hero and Claudio, it’s love at first sight and, as with any immediate attraction, they have a lot to learn about each other. Beatrice and Benedick, on the other hand, have known each other for quite some time and it takes a little none-too-subtle prodding from their friends to help them realise and admit their feelings.

For those who don’t find Shakespeare’s comedies funny, this is the film to see, because it’s hilarious. It isn’t just the lines that create laughter, but the manner in which they’re set up and delivered. Expressions and actions often play a large part in the comedy, some of which is decidedly physical. These are the kinds of things that don’t appear on the written page. The film also contains its share of drama, and the pathos and poignancy come as easily and naturally as the humour.

The vitality of this production is amazing. Things move along with a breezy energy that makes it impossible not to get caught up in the experience. Cuts and edits to the unabridged play are partly responsible for the uptempo pace, and the quality of the acting makes the Shakespearean dialogue accessible. As might be expected, Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson turn in sparkling performances. Denzel Washington, not a name one might initially associate with Shakespeare, delivers Don Pedro’s lines with a comfortable ease, and even Keanu Reeves puts in a good performance, though he doesn’t have many lines.

Much Ado About Nothing is a brilliant film and reinforces Branagh’s status as a great director of Shakespeare,.

James Berardinelli