Review of Much Ado About Nothing (2013) by Harry W — 10 Feb 2014

My opinion of Shakespeare is simple: I hate the man. I hate his plays, I hate the fact that so many students have to get forced through them in High School and I seriously hate the fact that they lack comedy. I mean the funniest part of Romeo and Juliet is when both the titular characters die due to their impulsive stupidity. In fact, given the right chance I would travel back in time to punch the man in the face just as Black Adder did. But I can safely say that I have 100% flawless faith that if anyone can make his work interesting, its Joss Whedon who is one of the most clever creators in the entertainment industry today. And because his adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing features Nathan Fillion, one of my all time favourite actors, I simply could not miss it no matter what.

I'm probably a more bias critic as an avid hater of Shakespearian theatre, and unfortunately its safe to say that largely affected my opinion of the film.

The first problem is the language. The script in Much Ado About Nothing flows from the mouths of the actors so naturally, because the Elizabethan language is drawn forth from the mouths of the cast so well that it feels real. But also the language is likely to prove confusing to those who haven't had to study it. Watching Much Ado About Nothing is like watching a foreign film with the audio dubbed into English at the same time as laying in its original language so that half of it makes sense and the other half doesn't. And I shouldn't have to study up on anything to enjoy this film.

Also, since it's a very simplistic adaptation, a lot of the usual elements of Shakespearian theatre have had to be omitted from the film, namely the melodramatic qualities. And while this makes it more realistic, it eliminates much of the storytelling that is supplied by physical acting.

All that Much Ado About Nothing did was remind me just how much I dislike Shakespeare, and his material is too dated and dull to serves as enjoying for me in the modern day, even with such a talented cast and stylish direction. So Much Ado About Nothing isn't a film that will convert Shakespearian opposers onto the other side, particularly because its story is built on the concept of, among other things, gossip. And gossip is boring and stupid enough already without being written in Elizabethan. So Much Ado About Nothing essentially seems like it was set up to fail for me from the start.

But I believe praise is in order for Joss Whedon's great directional work which ties everything in the film together and makes the narrative stay straight on its course through the story, and its all shot very nicely in the setting of his home which makes it a well told story on a small scale. But what is most impressive is how much talent he brings out of the actors.

Amy Acker makes a great lead in Much Ado About Nothing by delivering her lines with a talented simplicity which strengthens the character she is working with.

And Sean Maher gives his best performance in years, filling his role of Don John with immense charm and skilful line delivery which he does so naturally without ever missing a beat.

Nathan Fillion instantly steals the screen when he enters the eye line of viewers in Much Ado About Nothing, because his natural charisma which he proves time and time again to be great at performing with comes up strong in Much Ado About Nothing, and his performance as Dogberry is just refreshing. His voice articulation and confidence just nails the role excellently and proves the talents that Nathan Fillion has as an actor of Shakespearian theatre and cinema.

Alexis Denisof, Reed Diamond and Clark Gregg all supply good supporting performances as well.

Unfortunately, even though the efforts of the cast are strong and Joss Whedon handles his material well, Much Ado About Nothing is too built on its boring Shakespearian roots to come to life. Shakespeare aficionados will disagree with me on that, but people like me won't find themselves becoming fans of Shakespeare even thanks to Joss Whedon's ambitious effort.