On Much Ado About Nothing

As Shakespeare adaptations go, Much Ado About Nothing is up there with Romeo and Juliet for being mined by directors. Joss Whedon’s monochrome version brings the story into present day, relocating the action into a large Americanised household. Updating the location, along with the black and white are the film’s major plus point. Whedon creates a beautiful film and, through what is surely a detailed knowledge of the text, blends the past with the contemporary with skill.

What would be even more refreshing would be if Whedon (and any future directors looking to adapt the Bard) had brought the dialogue into the 21^st Century. Shakespeare’s language is poetic, but it is there for anyone to read and still remains esoteric. Therefore, an adaptation that had as keen an eye for the settings (as Whedon does) as well as for language would be welcome.