Much Ado About Nothing Movie Analysis

I recently viewed the cinematic depiction of the play Much Ado About Nothing. This comedic play was written in 1598 by William Shakespeare, and was meant to be viewed as a comedy. Many writers and producer still look to Shakespeare for inspiration, causing many reproductions to be made. The two cinematic versions that I viewed was the 1993 adaption by Kenneth Branagh and the 2012 version by Joss Wheden. Although both versions of the film are using the same dialog setting and character development.
The first thing an audience sees, when viewing both films is the setting. Branagh’s version is filled with bright colors that are hard to look away from, these colors automatically give off a light hearted tone. Another contribution to the setting is the ambiguous Italian renaissance house that they are all staying in. Not being able to recognize where or when it takes place, gives the viewer a sense of freedom from reality. All of these elements combined let the viewer know that they are about to view a light hearted comedy. Wheden takes a completely different approach in his 2013 version, by making the entire film in black and white. He also chooses to connect with the audience more by using a modern home in a wealthy suburban neighborhood. By depriving his audience of the dream-like world that Branagh provides, it

Branagh and Wheden’s versions of Much Ado About Nothing differ in a number of ways. Branagh takes on the literal meaning of the play and exemplifies it with over the top acting and a dreamlike setting. Due to this over the top setting Wheden down plays the film to make it into reality. I would personally recommend the Branagh film, because it is easy to enjoy and immediately draws the viewer into the story. Writing about both films grew my appreciation for Whedens version, but that appreciation would not have a developed without view Branagh’s. These films are meant to