Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing

1552 Words7 Pages
Kenneth Branagh is both an experienced actor and director. Before directing and acting in Much Ado about Nothing, he played the lead role in the Henry V. Due to his previous experience with Shakespeare, he had a clear vision that he developed supporting his direction of the film. Unfortunately for him, not many agreed with his vision. Critics, students and in particular, Dr. Philippa Sheppard disagree with his creative choices including the script and the song, “Sigh no more ladies”, placement throughout the film. Branagh decided to omit cuckold jokes along with placing the song at the beginning, middle and end of the movie. Branagh’s critics question the effectiveness of his vision. The omission of the cuckold jokes and the disruption of Shakespeare’s…show more content…
She is a woman sending this message to other women. The song tells women about how unfaithful men can be and how silly it is for women to take men very seriously. Beatrice’s whole attitude about men is to have a marvelous sense of humor and to use common sense. This is exhibited in the beginning of the movie once the crowd finishes quickly preparing for the arrival of Don Pedro and his company. Leonato and a crowd of people come face to face with Don Pedro and his company when the battle of wits begins. Beatrice and Benedick exchange blows and Benedick ends the battle by saying “I would my horse had your tongue! But keep your way, in God’s name, I have done.” Branagh uses this scene to show how Beatrice presents herself with good humor in public and inwardly sighs when no one is paying attention. Her sigh follows in the form of an aside when she says “You always end with a jade’s trick. I know you of old.” In addition, the song also helps Benedick to fall into the trick that Don Pedro and Claudio play, in order to get him to fall in love with Beatrice. Her attitude, which she shows in public is one of good humor which is exactly what the song suggests women do even though they may inwardly sigh, just as Beatrice
Open Document