I am not a big fan of Shakespeare. I know… cue the uproar from English teachers across the globe. I recognize and admire his creativity and brilliant talent for writing, leaving the world with such an iconic legacy of plays and sonnets. I am in awe of his imaginative stories, both comical and dramatic. I adore his quips and zingers, and his plot twists. I just have never been able to recite his words out loud. I cannot make it sound natural. Lambic pentameter is not my thing. I do marvel at anyone who can speak Shakespeare and make sense of every beat and breath in perfect rhythm. I guess I might be a little jealous. It would be a kick to travel in the U.K. and talk like the people did centuries ago.
I usually shy away from Shakespearean literature. Yes, I have read them… silently, and yes, I have seen interpretations from the stage and on film. But, to be honest, it never sounded as usual and lighthearted as when I first watched Sir Kenneth Branagh’s genius creation of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING in 1993. It blew my mind. After a few minutes, I forgot I was watching and listening to one of Shakespeare’s plays. Every joke and sarcastic one-liner hit a bullseye. I laughed, I cried, I shook with delight as I finally “got it.” I realized in that dark movie theater I had been such an opinionated ass just like Michael Keaton’s Dogberry. It was a moment I will never forget.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is the ultimate title for this Shakespearean play, and even when dealing with life situations. In four simple words, audiences know something big will happen, and then poof, it will be gone. It’s like a balloon when you first blow it up. As it gets filled with air, the tension in the elasticity becomes more strained and intensified. It centers around one specific area and grows with each puff. Then, when this action stops, the air vanishes, and the balloon returns to its original state. Human nature can copy this behavior as well. Blowing things out of proportion before having all the facts is always a waste of energy. Shakespeare was oh, so wise as he applied this valuable lesson throughout his story.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING was a triumph, even though it was not nominated for the gold. The studio masterminded a massive media frenzy campaign to secure a nomination or two, but alas, no one in Hollywood took the bait. It was, in a way, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING since the awards season passed. It was, however, a box office success. The public loved it especially the jubilant butt scene (Such an innocent way to present nudity and have no repercussions from the censors). This silly scene is etched in my memory box forever.
MAAN was received so well due to Branagh’s exceptional writing and directing skills. He gathered the best from the original script and put it together with ease and panache. He not only had an incredible vision in mind, but he also portrayed one of the leading men, Benedict. It was the perfect role, and Branagh cast his wife at that time, Dame Emma Thompson, as Beatrice. The two of them were deliciously irreverent in reciting each put-down of their respective characters. There were literally explosions of delightfully witty expressions of pitting the male and female genders against each other. It was a masterpiece of acting talent.
The entire ensemble was carefully selected. It would be challenging to gather the likes of Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, Kate Beckinsale, Richard Briers, Imelda Staunton, Phyllida Law, and, of course, Michael Keaton. The dialogues flowed. They were tight, sharp, full of angst and yearning, all while in amazing sync. It was breathtaking to watch. Their sword fighting, joy, anger, and frustration were mesmerizing. Time stood still and whisked by until the very last note of HEY NONNY NONNY.
The white costumes were not the correct period clothing, but who cared? They were an expression of innocence in finding true love for the first time. The contrast between the dark, soldier-like jacket Reeves wore as the evil villain and the crazy, filthy clothes the Guard wore rang true. Each costume told a story and helped push the plot forward. The masks worn at the ball were fascinating. They also helped to delineate each character and their personality.
Filming in Italy added rich scenic views. The grape fields, the courtyard, and the lush gardens were a beautiful background. I adored the wind effect as it caressed each prop or piece of cloth.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a romantic, comedic, period classic. It was never meant to be taken seriously. It represents a blip in time when something you thought was true turns out to be a lie. It demonstrates how easy it is to waste precious energy on things beyond our control. It helps put life into perspective. Shakespeare had it right. Enjoy the good times. Revel and laugh with friends and family. Believe in the best in everyone. Life is short. Let go. Paradigms can be changed. And with that… all I can add is…
“Then sigh not so, but let them go, And be you blithe and bonny, Converting all your sounds of woe Into hey nonny, nonny.”
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is available on Prime Video.
