Can Joss Whedon get mainsteam audiences to appreciate Shakespeare? The release plan at the moment for the U.S. and Canada seems to be a limited release expanding to wide, so someone has big hopes for it.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone discovered how much fun Shakespeare can be, and every summer from now on we have get a Bard tentpole?
Hey, I can dream…
Omfg this looks amazing!! Shakespeare, yeah!
Joss really is a perfect fit for adapting Shakespeare because he uses the Shakespearean style so wonderfully. He weaves humor and darkness together in a way that few writers can ever hope to do. He writes with a sharp and biting tongue while keeping it all very grounded in reality.
I just covered Hamlet with my high school seniors using the RSC production with David and Sir Patrick. They mostly enjoyed it. I’ve thought about covering Much Ado with the RSC production with David and Catherine, but I would rather use this version because I think that the setting and directing would be more interesting to my young audience.
Plus, you know, half the casts of Joss’s previous works.
You should do both versions. When I was studying Literature at school, I loved seeing all the different versions of a particular book or play. I saw two different performances of The Importance of Being Earnest, one classic, one contemporised (with some bizarrely choreographed slapstick) Its good to see a variety of retellings. It’s always fascinating to get a different perspective with each version, especially if the dialogue is unchanged. Shakespeare is known for his minimal stage directions, so his works are ripe for multiple incarnations
This is my favorite Shakespeare play, and I’m especially jazzed to find Fillion is playing Dogberry (maybe he can redeem Michael Keaton), but…why black and white? Seems kind of bleak for a comedy. Or is that just for the trailer?
Redeem Michael Keaton? I thought he was hilarious in Branagh’s version.
It’s a matter of taste. I’m with Michael on this one, as I didn’t like Keaton’s choices in the part.
Whedon basically made the movie with his own pocket money. B&W film stock is much cheaper than colour.
This looks like it was shot on digital, which is cheaper than any film stock now.
According to my film-maker friend (though granted, this is a decade ago), B&W film stock is way more expensive than colour.
No, he didn’t shoot on film, it’s video. But you don’t need to colour balance /white balance B&W. Makes it much, much faster to shoot. Less set-up and quicker scenes.
That makes sense.
I have been waiting so long for this to be released. I’m glad they finally chose a date.
MaryAnn and Everyone:
I’m hoping for good things for Joss’s “Much Ado,” but I want to make a pitch here for everyone to get their hands on a copy of “ShakespeaRe-Told” from the UK. They did updated versions of four of the plays, and the best of the bunch was their updated “Much Ado,” with Damian Lewis (Homeland, Band of Brothers), Sarah Parish, and Billie Piper.
I loved the MacBeth myself. I especially loved their take on the witches.
wasn’t that the one set in the restaurant?
Yes, Duncan’s. Duncan was the celebrity owner, MacBeth was the actual head chef, and he and his wife Elle (Ella?) were resentful that Duncan got all the credit for MacBeth’s work.
“Would you like me to lie to you now?”
“Yes, thank you. Yes.”
*sob*
That was nothing compared to:
“Wesley? Why can’t I stay??”
*dies a little inside everytime*
Which asks the question– how will Whedon find a way to run our hearts through the meat grinder with this?
“Oh, btw, this is Benedick’s final hallucination as he dies in the battle.”
“Cool twist, guys–Don John shoots Beatrice just as she and Benedick profess their love.”
“Every night I save you…” *sniff*
That really is an all-star cast of Whedon players. Only good can come of this.
That looks amazing.
I remember reading many years ago (during Buffy’s run) that Joss would have the cast over on the weekends and they’d all hang out and do a Shakespeare play, just for fun.
Oh.My.Gawd! I desperately want to see this NOW!