This is from the 1993 Film Version of Much Ado About Nothing, which we'll be watching parts of in class. You can fast-forward the video to around the 3-minute mark to get to the start of I.i. Why do you think they started off the film with Beatrice reading poetry? What important choices were made to convey meaning in this scene? In the first clip, we see the messenger speaking to Leonato, up until the arrival of the army.
Here in the second clip, we see the arrival of the army (Denzel Washington plays Don Pedro) through the end of Act I.
Next is I.i from a 1984 TV movie. (It's not very highly-acclaimed: read the comments on the Youtube site, if you want, one of which says, "I'm sorry but this version is an abomination.") Notice, though, that Beatrice still holds her own. How is the tone different in this one? Which do you think captures what is on the page the best? What choices did the actors and directors make here with the lines?
Note: Notice the difference between the line readings of "I knew you would end with a jade's trick. I know you of old." How do the two actresses convey totally different meanings with that line reading?
Note: Don John's one line. How is it presented? How do the directors hint that he will become a villain?
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4 comments:
The video was interesting! I looked at the clothing! I noticed that position choices were very important! Reading along with the video is very helpful! I feel the title has made me understand the book! The first video is more enjoyable to watch because it captures " much hype about nothing". I picture people fussing about nothing as I read the book now!
The actress who plays Beatrice is fairly amusing. She emphasizes Beatrice's pompous satire and is very dramatic. I also find the background of I.i rather interesting because I assumed that there were only a few people standing around as the meessenger came in. The crowd of people emphasized the excitement the court had for Don Pedro, Cladio, and the great success in the war.
Are you talking about the above version of 'Much Ado' (the film)? Or the below version (the filmed play)?
Wayne you ended every sentence with an exclamation mark! Was it really that exciting!
And I preferred the 1993 version of the dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick. I followed it closely, and the indirect characterization is made more plain in this version.
Beatrice signing off quietly with "I know of you old" makes her seem as though she is actually disturbed by the exchange, which makes her more human. It is easier to like a character that shows at least some potential for remorse or reflection, both of which are shown in Beatrice's face at the end of their dialogue. It's almost as if she has a history of men "turning a jade's trick" and this new turn of events is reminding her about that pain.
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