Much Ado About Nothing

2013 • 108 minutes

About this movie

Joss Whedon's sexy and contemporary spin on Shakespeare's classic comedy about the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick - offering a sensual, dark and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.

Ratings and reviews

Disappointingly the movie never warms to the material, the pace of WS's writing, the comedy or the drama. The cinematography is distracting, but the real frustration comes from watching the people say their lines (not quite acting, closer to reading or recital). In several scenes the actors almost looked embarrassed to be saying the Bard's lines, and the discomfort is palpable. In an effort to sound 'natural' the artifice is exposed.

Time and time again, it's easy to disappear into the story only to find oneself straining from the other side of the screen to hear and understand the dialog. The music and cinematography is wonderful. The actors speak their lines as if Shakespearean English is their mother tongue... only if we could hear it better...

I wish I had read the play before watching the film, but it's also very satisfying to skim through it afterwards. Great cast for the most part and a wonderfully entertaining film.