Here branagh yet again adapts a shakespeare play to good effect, trimming the dialogue of some important sections with the aim of creating a lighter feel worthy of the title. Of the many adaptations of much ado about nothing, two film versions rise above the rest. Much ado about nothing translates to a lot of fuss about nothing. Much ado about nothing 811 movie clip she is no maid. If anyone has done more to bring shakespeare to a modern audience of multiplex dwellers, id like to meet them. Its principal subject is that of romance that may settle over the land after soldiers come home. Much ado about nothing, the whedon version posted on june 3, 20 by rogerinorlando in shakespeares day, nothing was a double entendre, and a sexual one at that. But instead of stretching out on a beach in hawaii, he spent the time making a blackandwhite version of shakespeares much ado about nothing on a. Joss whedon firmly places much ado about nothing in the screwball tradition where it belongs. His 1993 film of much ado about nothing is an outstanding adaptation of the play that benefits from his judicious cutting and rearrangement of text, as well as from his casting. Directed by kenneth branagh 1992 was filmed in via petriolo, 5, 50022 greve in chianti fi, italy by dardo vader 2016 filmaps. Filming locations 1 filming dates 1 filming locations.
During the years when he was diligently bringing the world buffy and angel et als, joss whedon was also inviting the cast members of said shows over to his house for shakespeare readings. Alexis denisof btvs, angel as benedick, amy acker angel, dollhouse as beatrice, reed diamond dollhouse as don pedro, sean maher firefly, serenity as don john, clark gregg the avengers as leonato, fran kranz dollhouse, the cabin in the woods as. The fact it was filmed in a stunning italian villa is a huge bonus reminds me of my travels through tuscany. It was adapted for the screen and directed by kenneth branagh, who stars in the film. Watching amy acker and alexis denisof battle it out, in words and in a near wrestling match near the end of the film, is a supreme pleasure. Sunshine and laughter, and merrymakers on a hillside sprinkled with flowers.
The wonderly way 20 much ado about much ado about nothing 22 was released on. Jun 06, 20 whedon adapts much ado about nothing for silver screen renee montagne talks with joss whedon the man behind tvs buffy the vampire slayer and the box office blockbuster the avengers. Introduction to the 1993 film much ado about nothing cliffsnotes. May 31, 20 whedons new movie takes that domestic impulse a step further he shot the film, a blackandwhite contemporary adaptation of shakespeares much ado about nothing, at home. Jun 21, 20 joss whedon firmly places much ado about nothing in the screwball tradition where it belongs. Much ado about nothing 1993 villa vignamaggio, greve in chianti. Watching it now is like looking at your holiday snaps of the best summer ever. Much ado about nothing is a majestic slice of cinematic joy which solidifies branaghs reputation is a shakespearean par excellence. Much ado about nothing is one of the few movies of recent years that could leave its audiences weeping with joy. Much ado about nothing 1993 full movie download full.
Much ado about nothing falls somewhen during kenneth branaghs run of remarkable movies almost two decades ago, at a time when branagh was being touted as cinemas newest fairhaired filmmaker. Kenneth branaghs much ado about nothing essay 1588. Also, the attitude towards women is not as offensive as ive seen. High spirited, wonderfully funny and confidently directed, much ado about nothing is a treat for not just joss whedon fans, but for all to enjoy. Kenneth branagh, emma thompson, denzel washington, keanu reeves, robert sean leonard, kate beckinsale, richard briers, brian blessed, michael keaton, ben elton running time. A modern retelling of shakespeares classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words. Filmed over a few days with his friends and regular screen collaborators, much ado about nothing, is a breezy and relaxed romp through shakespeares enduring classic.
Jan 29, 2016 nearly 20 years earlier, noted shakespearean actordirector kenneth branagh later, himself another marvel director made much ado about nothing his second of five, so far movie adaptations of a shakespeare play. Much ado about nothing kenneth branaghs second screen adaptation of shakespearethe first was henry vis a spritely, sundrenched production decked out with a highprofile international cast. Play versus film william shakespeare is well known for his dramatic plays, much ado about nothing being no exception. Robert sean leonard and kate beckinsale was filmed in villa vignamaggio just outside greve in chianti. Much ado about nothing movie trailer and videos tv guide.
These are healthy, joyful young people whose high spirits will survive anything, even the dark doublecrosses of shakespeares plot. Much ado about nothing movie location in villa vignamaggio. I would highly recommend any whedon fan who isnt familiar with shakespeare to read the play before you see the film. I have been a fan of this film adaptation of much ado about nothing since i first saw it and how i own it. Films set in tuscany much ado about nothing kenneth. And while one may assume that a superhero blockbuster and a blackandwhite microbudget adaptation of the bard are as different as two features can get, theyre both examples of a filmmaker. Romeo and juliet zeffirelli, 1968, a much more successful effort than that of castellani in 1954, was filmed in pienza and won two oscars.
I have seen the movie, and naturally new where the characters were. Kenneth branagh chose vignamaggio as the setting for his 1993 adaptation of the theatrical comedy much ado about nothing. The play, set in sicily and shot in tuscany, involves a few crucial days in the lives of the followers of don pedro denzel washington, prince of arragon, who returns victorious from battle with his halfbrother don john. May 07, 2015 11 videos play all much ado about nothing 1993 movie movieclipsfilm directors cut.
To me, this movie in the wake of henry v, dead again, and peters friends cemented him as one of my favorite actordirectors. Films set in tuscany much ado about nothing kenneth branagh. Much ado about nothing was filmed entirely at villa vignamaggio, greve in chianti in florence, tuscany, italy. Much ado about nothing is a 2012 black and white american romantic comedy film adapted for the screen, produced, and directed by joss whedon, from william shakespeares play of the same name. He has filmed on location in and around an actual sunny italian villa of appropriate age and condition, the villa vignamaggio in tuscany. Much ado about nothing play vs movie add a difference. Set in the sixteenth century, this drama was first performed in 1612, with a film adaptation released in 1993 and then another in 2012. To pass the time don pedro makes a pledge to engage confirmed bachelor benedick and the bickering beatrice together in a tower of affection.
Much ado about nothing also features michael keaton in a showy turn as dogberry. Kenneth branaghs 1993 adaptation has an allstar cast, including emma thompson, kate beckinsale, robert. This was his last film with thenspouse emma thompson before he cheated on her with helena bonham carter during filming of mary shelleys frankenstein, ugh. White and many shades of cream and brown are the most common colors seen in the characters costumes, while the walls of the villa are a quiet rosy shade and torches in nighttime. Much ado about nothing 1993 film wikimili, the free. Jun 20, 20 filmed over 12 days at whedons reallife house, much ado about nothing features the filmmakers friends many of whom will be familiar to fans of his television series buffy the. That last film, oddly enough, has a tone somewhat in common with much ado about nothing. One of shakespeares most popular comedies, much ado about nothing contrasts the happiness of lovers claudio and hero, and the cynicism of sparring partners beatrice and benedick, who are united in their scorn for love. Although im a much bigger fan of shakespeares tragedies than light comedies this modern interpretation is arguably one of the best adaptations of the material so far. Where was much ado about nothing filmed film locations.
The first, beatrice and benedick, are sharptongued rivals whose apparent despite covers a deeper passion that their friends help bring to the surface. Tuscan setting of much ado about nothing, 1990s film 98480. Shakespeares classic comedy is given a contemporary spin by director joss whedon. Kenneth branaghs version of the timeless william shakespeare classic is a great rendition of the film, making it accessible to everyone, even those who do not like. All in all, i really enjoyed much ado about nothing and would recommend it as a great starter film to familiarize viewers with the great english playwright. The film also stars branaghs thenwife emma thompson, robert sean leonard, denzel washington, michael keaton, keanu reeves, and kate beckinsale in her film debut. Leonato, governor of messina richard briers, and the women of his household sprawl on the hillside relishing the summer heat. Shot in just 12 days, the story of sparring lovers beatrice and benedick of. Shakespeares classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in joss whedons film, much ado about nothing. Very accessible, jubilant shakespeare with brief bawdiness.
Earlier this week i had searched roku for director kenneth branaghs 1993 version of much ado about nothing, i chose, i paid and was directed to the version that was directed by brandon arnold instead which was so horrendous i seriously contemplated gouging out my eyes and puncturing my eardrums. Kenneth branagh dazzles as producer, director, and actor in the role of benedict. However claudios brother, don john, conspires to break up the wedding by making accusations against young hero. Much ado about nothing pg by hal hinson washington post staff writer may 21, 1993 at the beginning of kenneth branaghs resoundingly average film adaptation of shakespeares bitchy. In the movie the play takes place in the 1600s in england. Much ado about nothing film by branagh 1993 britannica. Much ado about nothing questions and answers the question and answer sections of our study guides are a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss literature. In 1993 kenneth branagh shot in villa vignamaggio the movie adaptation of the theatrical comedy much ado about nothing movie location in villa vignamaggio book.
Much ado about nothing kenneth branagh 1993, filmed at villa vignamaggio near greve in chianti. His 1993 film of much ado about nothing is an outstanding adaptation of the play that benefits from his judicious cutting and rearrangement of text, as well as. The battle of two much ado about nothing films seven. Whedon adapts much ado about nothing for silver screen. Other articles where much ado about nothing is discussed. Much ado about nothing is a 1993 britishamerican romantic comedy film based on william shakespeares play of the same name. Much ado about nothing is a comedy by william shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599, as shakespeare was approaching the middle of his career. Jun 19, 20 much ado about nothing, which is ostensibly set in messina, is a romantic comedy focused on two couples. Oscars best picture winners best picture winners golden globes emmys san diego comiccon new york comiccon sundance film festival toronto intl film festival awards central festival central all events.
The breezy, colourful much ado won the praise of critics and attracted an unusually large and diverse audience. Much ado about nothing kenneth branagh, 1993 a classical piece, written by shakespeare and interpreted by kenneth branagh, denzel washington, keanu reeves, emma thompson, michael keaton, robert sean leonard and kate beckinsale was filmed in villa vignamaggio just outside greve in. In the opening scene of much ado about nothing, kenneth branagh insists on the tone the movie will take. It s only fitting,then, that whedon s film version of much ado about nothing should be filmed in that very house. Seen through the crew and equipment we watch the moments. Where was much ado about nothing filmed discover the much. Much ado about nothing film much ado about nothing 08 september 2012. Shot in just 12 days and using the original text, the story of sparring lovers beatrice. Much ado about nothing resources movie or tv productions. Much ado about nothing 2012 directed by joss whedon. Much ado about nothing letterboxd your life in film.
Suddenly, don pedro, prince of arragon denzel washington and his victorious. Imaginative, intelligent, and brilliantly filmed, branaghs much ado. Introduction to the 1993 film much ado about nothing. I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow, than a man swear he loves me. Its hard to believe that its over 20 years since kenneth branaghs version of much ado about nothing first screened. Behind the scenes on the set of much ado about nothing on location in italy. I noticed that much ado is actually two love stories. T o follow up his avengers smash, joss whedon has chosen a highminded new project. Start an into film club or log in to rate this film synopsis having previously directed henry v, kenneth branagh continued his mission to make shakespeare relevant to modern movie goers with this telling of the story of four soldiers and the intrigues that befall them on their return home from war. Much ado about nothing had its world premiere at the 2012 toronto international film festival. The film was a colossal hit, the most successful british film of the year and a major box office triumph in the united states, recouping its 11 million dollars budget three times over.
Whedons new movie takes that domestic impulse a step further he shot the film, a blackandwhite contemporary adaptation of shakespeares much ado about nothing, at home. Remembering the other great movie version of much ado about. The 1993 film adaptation of william shakespeares much ado about nothing, by kenneth branagh, differs in many aspects from the original script written by shakespeare. The play was included in the first folio, published in 1623. With his own special viewpoints and skills, he has brought several of them to film, including much ado about nothing, hamlet, and king henry v. Unassumingly enjoyable and lowkey, much ado works because it lets shakespeares words take center stage, eschewing the usual pomp and circumstance. Nov 01, 2018 romantic and sundrenched, kenneth branaghs 1993 adaption of much ado about nothing was filmed entirely at the hillside villa vignamaggio in tuscany, italy. Much ado about nothing 1993 this 1993 film version of shakespeares play is a colorful, ebullient romp, with a cast made up of british and american actors, as is often the case with major cinematic shakespeare offerings. That year thompson also played a 1930s housekeeper in the remains of the day. Joss whedons much ado about nothing a modernday version, set in southern california, with the men in business suits instead of combat gear currently has a 78 percent rating on rotten. Filming much ado about nothing, 1990s film 98485 youtube. Wide shot of the wedding set in the garden where kenneth branaghs adaptation of much ado about nothing is being filmed robert sean.
The 1993 film deservedly got considerable acclaim, and boasted an allstar cast that eclipses even whedons. Much ado about nothing globe player shakespeares globe. It was adapted for the screen and directed by kenneth branagh, who also stars in the film. That film was an adaptation of shakespeares much ado about nothing, of which the most definitive adaptation was kenneth branaghs 1993 version. Any romcom we see today is haunted by the arguing defensive lovemad ghosts of beatrice and benedick, the reluctant, verbalbarbtrading lovers. The film stars amy acker, alexis denisof, nathan fillion, clark gregg, reed diamond, fran kranz, sean maher, and jillian morgese. The films north american distribution rights were acquired by lionsgate, in association with roadside attractions, for a joint theatrical release.
A film guide that looks at much ado about nothing 2012, exploring its key topics and themes through informal discussion. Branagh employs brilliant cinematography, manipulating lighting, camera angles to produce a carefree version to the original text. Much ado about nothing kenneth branagh, 1993 a classical piece, written by shakespeare and interpreted by kenneth branagh, denzel washington, keanu reeves, emma thompson, michael keaton, robert sean leonard and kate beckinsale was filmed in villa vignamaggio just outside greve in chianti, in petriolo. Unlike, some of his other plays, no one does anything ridiculously stupid like a double suicide. The most ebullient and consistently enjoyable of branaghs shakespeare films, much ado about nothing disproves the myth that shakespeare is no longer accessible. Movie, much ado about nothing movie,much ado about nothing trailer,much ado about nothing 1993, kenneth branagh,denzel washington, emma thompson, keanu reeves. This comedy, written by william shakespeares in 1599, has enjoyed immense and lasting success, the title used to this today to describe a situation when a big fuss is made over something unimportant. Branagh plays benedick, emma thompson acts as beatrice, kate beckinsale is hero, and keanu reeves plays don john. Differences between much ado about nothing play vs movie. This resources uses the adaptation of the play to analyse the text. Much ado about nothing is actually not an overly colorful film.
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