Selected Product:
| Much Ado about Nothing (Shakespeare in Production)
Hardcover
Author: William Shakespeare
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Release Date: 1998-02-28
ISBN-10: 052147163X
ISBN-13: 9780521471633
List Price: $80.00
Average Customer Rating:
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Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com
This edition of Much Ado About Nothing focuses wholly on the play in performance. Shifting trends in the production of this popular drama are analyzed in relation to the culture of each period since Shakespeare's time, with particular attention to gender issues. A commentary alongside the New Cambridge edition of the text recreates in lively detail interpretations of each passage in a variety of British, American, Canadian stage, film and TV productions. An essential resource for students, teachers and performers, this is also an illuminating book for theatergoers.
Ken and Em in Tuscany
| Customer Rating:  | After swearing that they will never marry anyone, let alone each other, two bickering "friends", Beatrice (Emma Thompson) and Benedick (Kenneth Branagh), end up falling in love after each is falsely led to believe that the other is in love with them.
Given the fact that neither of his most recent Shakespearean adaptations have received so much as a DVD release out here (Australia), let alone a cinema release, it is hard to imagine that there was once a time when Kenneth Branagh was hailed as being the next Laurence Olivier. However, back in the 1990's, Kenneth Branagh did manage to produce some of the best Shakespearean adaptations ever made, the best of which being the 4-hour "Hamlet" and this version of "Much Ado About Nothing".
"Much Ado About Nothing" is rare among Shakespeare's comedies in that it is actually funny, thus making it one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays, and Kenneth Branagh has a gift for making Shakespeare understandable to anyone, even someone who has never encountered "the Bard" before. Not all of the actors are up to the same standard as Branagh (Kate Beckinsale, in an early film role, is notably wooden), but this is more than made up for by Branagh and Thompson. Branagh and Thompson are both excellent actors in anything in which they appear, but they are at their best when appearing together. When this film was made, they were married to each other and the chemistry between them is something beautiful. I have always considered it to be a great tragedy that their marriage didn't last.
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Fun, quirky, and true to the spirit of the Shakespearen romantic comedy
| Customer Rating: | | I consider this to be one of my favorite movies. It's a true chamer that proves that a good play of Shakespeare can be set at any time. The charming game of cat-and-mouse with lovers is only part of the wonder when it comes to the talented set of actors, each one perfect for their role. However, the best performances are demonstrated by Branagh and Emma Thomspon, whom we all know can do just about anything. The setting of the little villa is charming, and the classical score suits the story well. Even if you think Shakespeare is boring, you will adore this fun romp. |
Old School Fun
| Customer Rating:  | Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," adapted for film by Kenneth Branagh, is a myriad of quick wit and cheeky humor. Denzel Washington adeptly plays an upright and stately lord while Keanu Reeves was the reason it couldn't reach five stars. In the very beginning there is a shot in which you see the soldiers (Washington, Reeves, and company) riding to Messina, home of Leonato (Richard Briers). Washington leads, looking elegant and impressive, and to his left, Reeves rides exanimate. They are returning from battle and stop at Messina for rest and entertainment. They quickly become involved in love triangles, treachery, and tongue lashings from Leonato's niece Beatrice (Emma Thompson).
While this film holds true to the english of Shakespeare's writing, it is by no means difficult to understand. It is merely english used in a way we as a society are not used to, but are capable of. The humor is timeless as well since love and conniving, not to mention bickering, are parts of life we all laugh about when looking back at it. |
great
| Customer Rating: | | This movie has everything!! And in the end weather you want to or not , you're smiling!! |
Who says Shakespeare can't be fun?
| Customer Rating: | | Beautifully photographed and brilliantly executed in the Tuscan sunshine, this film version captures all the energy and charm of Shakespeare's famous comedy. The cast is surprisingly long on Americans-thankfully NOT burdened here with those painfully fake English accents that we so often must endure-but under Branagh's excellent direction, even the unlikely casting of Keanu as the Bad Seed brother of Denzel's Don Pedro is not too hard to swallow (and Michael Keaton's constable is just classic comedy). Dialogue is condensed but true to the meter-and the "meat"-of the original, and retains all the metaphor, pun, double-entendre and wordplay which reveal the Bard's genius. Branagh himself is thoroughly splendid as Benedick; as Beatrice, the always brilliant Emma Thompson has never been more lovely. Even those uninitiated who find Shakespeare incomprehensible will be surprised to be so charmed and entertained by this captivating film. |
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