Much Ado About Nothing Film Analysis

Shame

Shame is one of the dominant themes acted upon in Joss Whedon’s movie adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, specifically the presentation of shame that is associated with sexual prowess. In the bedroom scene with Don John, the bastard son, and Conrad, his trusted follower, there is a feeling of imprisonment and order right away as you see the sleek straight lines of the furniture, geometrical design and the old eloquent decorations. Along with the prop and sound choice, it is clear that this is a place which is under control, is orderly and is to be contained as such. The first thing the audience sees during the first few second of the scene are the legs of Don John and Conrad as they lay in bed with intertwined limbs. Shortly after you see a snapshot of Conrad’s behind in a short dress followed by the face of Don John as he strokes Conrad’s shoulder and stares up at the ceiling. His face holds a look of contemplation, and immediately after we are shown an overhead shot of the two lying in bed, as well as the surroundings …show more content…
Windows are often a symbol of passage and freedom, and almost always help to make a confined space seem bigger, brighter and more amiable to be in. This conflicts with the original feeling of gloom and dishonor associated with the room; however, these windows also help set the mood of being confined and also having to endure and view what exactly you are missing. The windows in the scene provide a large amount of space which allows Conrade and Don John to see out of, getting a great view of the guard on duty, but there is a thick, dark colored lining around every window, seeming as though it is there to reinforce the windows from being opened. Using this idea of the windows as part of the scene helps solidify the notion of completely sealing off any type of inappropriate and unaccepted activity that goes