Much Ado About Nothing
A reminder that the Union Church Film Group will gather later this week on Friday March 13th at 7:00pm in the Guild Room to screen Much Ado About Nothing, which was directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, who also directed Henry V (1989), which we viewed last year. The film stars Sir Kenneth, Denzel Washington, and Dame Emma Thompson, with support from Keanu Reeves, Kate Beckinsale, Robert Sean Leonard and Michael Keaton. Kenneth Branagh adapted the Shakespeare comedy for the screen.
Much Ado About Nothing (1993) was Kenneth Branagh’s second Shakespeare film. Henry V (1989) was his first. The film has a 90% Fresh Rating, ranking the film as one of Branagh’s three best Shakespeare films along with Henry V and his epic 4 hour+ version of Hamlet (1996). This will be the third Shakespeare film the group has screened, as Richard III starring Sir Ian McKellan was the first.
During my commentary, I plan to supply some context for the play, and discuss the production of the film. I may also briefly discuss the careers of Sir Kenneth Branagh, Denzel Washington, and that of Scottish composer Patrick Doyle, who wrote the film scores for Henry V and Much Ado About Nothing, and who performed and acted in both films.
As has been usual, some of us will gather either in the Assembly or Guild Room at 615 pm to have a snack before the film and chat about films. Please bring your own food and beverage.
Much Ado About Nothing is 1 hour and 51 minutes long. It was filmed in Widescreen color, and will be presented with English Language Subtitles. The sub-titles are good but seem smaller than some, so some of you may want to sit closer to the screen than normal for films with subtitles. The film is rated PG-13 – Momentary Sensuality.