Much Ado About Nothing Movie Vs Play Analysis
The movie “Much Ado About Nothing”, though similar to the original play by William Shakespeare, has subtle differences. Although the dialogue in the movie is the same as the original play, the settings and emotional intent are better represented in the film. So, the overall meaning of the story isn’t diminished but preserved and enhanced. In Summary, the movie is a good representation of the original play that William Shakespeare would be proud of. The story written by William Shakespeare was believed to be formed from others works “Shakespeare used as his main source for the Claudio-Hero plot a story from Matteo Bandello’s Novelle (1554–73); he also may have consulted Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando furioso and Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie
Queene. The Beatrice-Benedick plot is essentially Shakespeare’s own.” (David Bevington, “Much Ado about nothing” www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/395791/Much-Ado-About-Nothing). In the movie, Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon, returns from battle and seeks refuge in Messina. Leonato, the Governor of Messina, welcomes Pedro and his soldiers with open arms, and the sudden influx of men into the town soon stirs up some romance. Claudio instantly falls in love with Hero, and Beatrice is reunited with her old flame, Benedict. This is the main structure of the play which is never compromised. For these reasons the movie well represents the original structure of William Shakespeare’s play.
The spoken dialog in the movie is the same as the original play script which was written in Elizabethan English. Likewise, the telling of the story in the movie is also played out in the same fashion as the play. (American Film Institute, “Modern Film Adaptations of Shakespeare” www.fathom.com/course/28701907/session2.html) Even the characters simple descriptions are a direct transfer from the play script. However, the facts in the film seem clearer then the screen play, which can be a tough read.
A major difference that stands out the most in the movie is being able to hear the various characters emotional intent in the dialog through there tone of voice. Body language also plays a key role in representing the intension of each character. By adding the visual aspect, each scene comes alive by giving more depth to the meaning and Intent of the author. For example being able to see both Beatrice and Benedict in their separate scenes hiding in the garden and listening to the other characters who with good intent plan and manipulate their behavior really adds to the scene and makes it less confusing by adding that visual aspect.
The telling of the story is well preserved in the movie even though it’s only loosely guided by the play script. This is due to the fact that the setting and placement of both characters and props require a little improvisation, which stems from lack of stage direction and scene description in the original play. An example would be the fact that Beatrice and Hero share the same bedroom until the night before Hero’s wedding which may escape us while reading the screenplay, but can be seen clearly in the movie. Despite these slight differences the movie does a great job of bringing to life the story from the original play script.
In conclusion, the differences, such as the visual setting, characters physical action, props and tone of voice, are the only real notable differences from the play to the movie. From the battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedict and the youthful romance of Claudio and Hero to the wacky antics of the constable (with whom both couple’s fates rest) still comes across clearly. The end result is a much more vibrant take on the original tale.
Queene. The Beatrice-Benedick plot is essentially Shakespeare’s own.” (David Bevington, “Much Ado about nothing” www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/395791/Much-Ado-About-Nothing). In the movie, Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon, returns from battle and seeks refuge in Messina. Leonato, the Governor of Messina, welcomes Pedro and his soldiers with open arms, and the sudden influx of men into the town soon stirs up some romance. Claudio instantly falls in love with Hero, and Beatrice is reunited with her old flame, Benedict. This is the main structure of the play which is never compromised. For these reasons the movie well represents the original structure of William Shakespeare’s play.
The spoken dialog in the movie is the same as the original play script which was written in Elizabethan English. Likewise, the telling of the story in the movie is also played out in the same fashion as the play. (American Film Institute, “Modern Film Adaptations of Shakespeare” www.fathom.com/course/28701907/session2.html) Even the characters simple descriptions are a direct transfer from the play script. However, the facts in the film seem clearer then the screen play, which can be a tough read.
A major difference that stands out the most in the movie is being able to hear the various characters emotional intent in the dialog through there tone of voice. Body language also plays a key role in representing the intension of each character. By adding the visual aspect, each scene comes alive by giving more depth to the meaning and Intent of the author. For example being able to see both Beatrice and Benedict in their separate scenes hiding in the garden and listening to the other characters who with good intent plan and manipulate their behavior really adds to the scene and makes it less confusing by adding that visual aspect.
The telling of the story is well preserved in the movie even though it’s only loosely guided by the play script. This is due to the fact that the setting and placement of both characters and props require a little improvisation, which stems from lack of stage direction and scene description in the original play. An example would be the fact that Beatrice and Hero share the same bedroom until the night before Hero’s wedding which may escape us while reading the screenplay, but can be seen clearly in the movie. Despite these slight differences the movie does a great job of bringing to life the story from the original play script.
In conclusion, the differences, such as the visual setting, characters physical action, props and tone of voice, are the only real notable differences from the play to the movie. From the battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedict and the youthful romance of Claudio and Hero to the wacky antics of the constable (with whom both couple’s fates rest) still comes across clearly. The end result is a much more vibrant take on the original tale.