4. Much Ado About Nothing (REMAKE)
Joss Whedon’s seductive, low-budget take on one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays is a merry romp populated by a brilliant cast of the director’s frequent collaborators. Preserving the Bard’s still-vibrant script but setting the story within the director’s gorgeous home, Whedon makes a number of stylistic choices that keep the film visually engaging and persistently energetic. I’m hard-pressed to a remember a Shakespeare adaptation as thrilling, sexy and innovative as Much Ado About Nothing.
The entire cast is aces, but particular praise should go to Amy Acker and Fran Kranz. Acker’s Beatrice is completely winning and showcases terrific comic timing as she delivers Shakespeare’s witty dialogue. And Kranz, so great in The Cabin in the Woods, turns in a delicate, deeply affecting performance as the ruthless Claudio. Nathan Fillion also stands out as the silly, theatrical Constable Dogberry.
The dark undertones present in most of Whedon’s work do exist in Much Ado About Nothing, but the film as a whole feels as lighthearted as it does sure-footed. With all its quirky imagery and strong performances, Much Ado About Nothing is a prime example of Shakespeare done right.
