Director Kenneth Branagh released his version of Shakespeare’s famous play Much Ado About Nothing in 1993. In 2013, Joss Whedon also released a version of Much Ado About Nothing. Although these two films have the same plot, they have very little in common. Whedon utilized a modern setting, while Branagh stuck to the old-fashioned setting. Whereas Branagh minimized Beatrice’s strong-willed personality he thereby abolishes Shakespeare's theme of modernizing society; Whedon’s film focuses on Beatrice and her assertive personality in order to exemplify the progressiveness of women Shakespeare conveyed in Much Ado About Nothing.
Unlike the gender barrier breaking film Whedon produced, Branagh’s film depicts Beatrice, although assertive …show more content…
Whedon’s modern setting exemplifies this concept of women being able to express their own opinions. The choice of a contemporary setting supports Shakespeare introducing the idea of a strong woman with her own opinions. In modern time, the concept of feminine power is not unusual, therefore Beatrice seems to be a more accepted and understandable character. Women can now openly express their opinion, which is what Beatrice did in Shakespeare’s play. Whedon makes this idea come to life by making sure everyone always knows Beatrice is in the room/scene. Her voice was rougher than every other women/girl in the film, this brings the attention to her because it is something different, it is something that stands out and she is not afraid to hide it. In addition to the tone of her voice, Beatrice is always the loudest individual in the room. Whedon makes sure Beatrice is never in the shadows, just like Shakespeare did in his play, by always having her front and center and in the middle of the room. One instance being, when Beatrice asks if Benedick is going to be visiting with Claudio and Don Pedro. She is making herself a drink and going around the kitchen while talking to ???? this is showing that even if she is not in one place giving a man her full attention, she will still be
Unlike the gender barrier breaking film Whedon produced, Branagh’s film depicts Beatrice, although assertive …show more content…
Whedon’s modern setting exemplifies this concept of women being able to express their own opinions. The choice of a contemporary setting supports Shakespeare introducing the idea of a strong woman with her own opinions. In modern time, the concept of feminine power is not unusual, therefore Beatrice seems to be a more accepted and understandable character. Women can now openly express their opinion, which is what Beatrice did in Shakespeare’s play. Whedon makes this idea come to life by making sure everyone always knows Beatrice is in the room/scene. Her voice was rougher than every other women/girl in the film, this brings the attention to her because it is something different, it is something that stands out and she is not afraid to hide it. In addition to the tone of her voice, Beatrice is always the loudest individual in the room. Whedon makes sure Beatrice is never in the shadows, just like Shakespeare did in his play, by always having her front and center and in the middle of the room. One instance being, when Beatrice asks if Benedick is going to be visiting with Claudio and Don Pedro. She is making herself a drink and going around the kitchen while talking to ???? this is showing that even if she is not in one place giving a man her full attention, she will still be