Benedick Film Techniques

All the costumes in this production fit the era properly, from the tight, skin-showing clothing all the way to Benedick’s costume at the party to Hero’s big puffy wedding gown.
The lighting was a major element in this production. It, along with the music, helped deepen the emotions portrayed by the cast members. For example, the dim purple lights during the parties for Hero and Claudio made it easy to see they were in a club or a bar. The characters and the music gave off the energy that would actually be felt if they were in an actual club or bar.
Another example would be at Hero’s fake funeral. The spotlight was focused on Claudio as he was speaking. The lighting deepened the sadness felt by him.
Throughout the play, some of the characters
continuously developed. In the beginning, Hero was a young woman who was giddy over some men from the Navy staying at her home. When she got asked to marry Claudio, she seemed to mature. She decided to marry him. After Claudio mistakenly slandered her, Hero matured even more and partook in the plan to kind of get revenge on him, which ultimately resulted in the two actually getting married.
Beatrice liked to joke around and had a humorous point of view about everything. She was a straightforward person and did not mind expressing her opinion. She also had a unique view of men. She just knew she was never going to get married. Even though Beatrice acted like she did not like Benedick by always talking down to him and making jokes about him, her friends and family thought otherwise. That is why they came up with the plan that ultimately resulted in Benedick and Beatrice realizing their love for one another.
Benedick is another character that really developed and changed throughout the production. In the beginning he was a “cool” sailor from the Navy. Like Beatrice, he too had the quirky, humorous attitude. He believed that he was going to die a bachelor. However, at one point he tells the audience that since he was in the Navy, he thought he would not live long enough to get married. Benedick and Beatrice were a perfect match for each other. The same plan used to convince Beatrice by her friends and family was also used on Benedick. He became serious and soon realized his love for Beatrice and eventually asked her to marry him.
Claudio’s character went through several emotions.
First, he was in love at the first sight of Hero. He wanted to marry her, which meant he would get the girl and her father’s riches. Then Don John and Borachio fooled him and caused him to slander Hero’s name. After Hero passed out, Claudio was told that she died. He then felt guilty that he caused her death. Eventually, once he learned the truth, he was overjoyed that Hero did not do him wrong like he previously believed. Since she really was not dead, he was still able to marry her.
Leonato was a generous man. He opened his home and catered to the men from the Navy. He willingly gave his daughter to one of the men. Leonato’s changed after Claudio accused Hero of being unfaithful and not remaining chastity. He became enraged at his daughter’s actions. Once he learned the truth, he forgave his daughter and somewhat got revenge on Claudio.
Don Pedro is the commander of the Navy men staying at Leonato’s house. He played a part in Claudio and Hero getting married. He also helped Beatrice and Benedick to realize their love for one another. Don Pedro can be a helpful man, even when other people do not want his help. For example, Don Pedro went to ask Hero to marry Claudio without Claudio knowing. Claudio saw Don Pedro leave the room with Hero, which made him believe that Don Pedro betrayed
him.
Don John is Don Pedro’s younger brother. He gave off a creepy bitter energy. He just looked like he was up to no good. He proved that statement correct when he and Borachio came