“Much Ado About Nothing”

Susan Granger’s review of “Much Ado About Nothing” (Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions)

 

When Joss Whedon, the prolific writer/director/producer of “Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Buffy the
Vampire Slayer,” “Firefly,” “Dollhouse” and“Angel,” makes a home movie, you can bet it’s much ado about something.

Filmed in black-and-white in 12 days at his sprawling Spanish-style home in Santa Monica,
California, it’s a frothy, low-budget adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ribald, robust comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” about falling in love and arranged marriages. According to Whedon, the idea has been germinating for many years – ever since he started inviting actors to his home for impromptu readings of “Hamlet,” “Macbeth” and “Othello.” A communal camaraderie was established as Whedon’s stock company was gradually formed.

While the setting has been moved from 16th century Sicily to 21st century Southern California, Whedon utilizes the original – if trimmed and tailored – Elizabethan text, albeit in modern dress and eschewing the iambic pentameter.  Filled with lies, deception and betrayal, the cheeky, playful plot revolves around the celebratory visit of suave Prince Don Pedro (Reed Diamon on “Dollhouse”) and his villainous brother, Don John (Sean Maher), along with their retinue, to the home of Messina’s Governor Leonato (Clark Gregg in “The Avengers”) for a garden party weekend that’s filled with charming romantic intrigue.  Alexis Denisof (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”) and Amy Acker (“Angel”) play ex-lovers, marriage-averse Benedick and tart-tongued Beatrice, while Fran Kranz (“Dollhouse”) and Jillian Morgese (who was an ‘extra’ on “The Avengers”) are the troubled younger lovers Count
Claudio and virtuous Hero. Nathan Fillon (“Firefly”) and Tom Lenk (“Buffy”) bring comic relief as the dimwit neighborhood constable Dogberry and his slapstick sidekick Verges.

Apparently, Joss Whedon did the filming – with cinematographer Jay Hunter utilizing multiple
cameras – in the contractually required two-week break between principal photography and post-production on “The Avengers.” It’s how he spent his enforced vacation, working with his architect wife Kai Cole, who co-produced the ensemble effort.

On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Much Ado About Nothing” is an enjoyably amusing,
screwball 7, but Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company doesn’t have to worry.

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