It is a commonplace of commentary on Shakespeare that his plays were meant for the stage. Of course, they were, but not for our stage--much less for our cinema. A whole set of historical circumstances in Shakespeare's day (the most famous probably being the all-male casts) make an "original instruments" performance of Shakespeare in our time impossible. As a result, every production of a Shakespeare play involves compromises that depart from the original in order to provide the best possible experience of Shakespeare for a modern audience.
Joss Whedon's compromises for his *Much Ado About Nothing* are consistently thoughtful. Just one example: he begins the film with Benedick and Beatrice in bed, Benedick sneaking out of the room after their night together. Now, this is not in Shakespeare's play, and certainly Shakespeare did not want his audience to think the couple had slept together. For a modern audience, however, insufficiently familiar with Shakespearean English to catch the hints that the two have been in a previous relationship, such a compromise adds to the viewer's experience of the play. Good choice!
Add to such thoughtful direction wonderful actors who take care with every line they speak, obviously understanding what they are saying after thinking about exactly how they want to say it, and the result is an absolutely delightful production. That's not to say there are not some cuts I wouldn't have made or lines I would have interpreted differently, which is inevitable with any production. More important is the thought and sensitivity that went into every moment of this film. Good job, Mr. Whedon!
Joss Whedon's compromises for his *Much Ado About Nothing* are consistently thoughtful. Just one example: he begins the film with Benedick and Beatrice in bed, Benedick sneaking out of the room after their night together. Now, this is not in Shakespeare's play, and certainly Shakespeare did not want his audience to think the couple had slept together. For a modern audience, however, insufficiently familiar with Shakespearean English to catch the hints that the two have been in a previous relationship, such a compromise adds to the viewer's experience of the play. Good choice!
Add to such thoughtful direction wonderful actors who take care with every line they speak, obviously understanding what they are saying after thinking about exactly how they want to say it, and the result is an absolutely delightful production. That's not to say there are not some cuts I wouldn't have made or lines I would have interpreted differently, which is inevitable with any production. More important is the thought and sensitivity that went into every moment of this film. Good job, Mr. Whedon!