Much Ado About Nothing




If Sports Radio were set in Wessex...

There have of course been many version of Much Ado About Nothing put to film over the years, but I think this 2005 version that aired on the BBC as part of the "Shakespeare Re-Told" series may be one of the best. The language and setting of the play has been updated to the modern day, and all the characters are on the staff of a local newscast in Wessex. Beatrice (Sarah Parish) is one of the presenters, and her old almost-lover Benedict (Damian Lewis) has been rehired to join her by the producer Leonard. Leonard's daughter Hero (Billie Piper -- yes, that's the reason I watched this) is the weather girl, and engaged to the sports reporter Claude. Don used to be the director but was demoted to graphics, and is obsessed with Hero.

If you know the play, you know how all this works out. The movie does diverge sharply from Act V of Shakespeare's play, mainly because the whole duel-for-the-woman's-honor thing isn't in style anymore, and the subterfuge of pretending Hero's dead and marrying Claudio to Hero's identical cousin is a just a little too Patty Duke Show. The new ending is rather bittersweet and allows Hero to be more than a romantic football.


What does Billie Piper have in common with Marilyn Monroe? You don't want either of them to sing.

This is a very funny movie, populated by very charming actors. The dialogue is dead witty. Here's a couple of examples.

Leonard (on Don): And I don't like the way he looks at my daughter.
Beatrice: All the men look at Hero like that; that's why you employed her.

Hero: Claude and I have talked. We would love it if you could be our chief bridesmaid.
Beatrice: I see.
Hero: Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking you're way too old to be a bridesmaid.
Beatrice: Yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking.
Hero: So you can be whatever an older bridesmaid's called. Maid of honor, is it? Or matron?
Beatrice: (grunts)
Hero: What is the difference? Oh, you are pleased aren't you?
Beatrice: It is a dream fulfilled. But you must understand, if you throw the bouquet at me I will throw a bottle back.

Posted: Mon - December 26, 2005 at      

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