Much Ado About Nothing Dvd

Much Ado About Nothing is a 2012 black and white American romantic comedy film adapted for the screen, produced, and directed by Joss Whedon, from William Shakespeare’s play of the same name. The film stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, and Jillian Morgese.

Plot

The plot of the film is largely unchanged from that of Shakespeare’s original play. Differences include the modern-day setting, switching Conrade’s gender, eliminating several minor roles and consolidating others into Leonato’s aide, and expanding Ursula’s role by giving her a number of Margaret’s scenes. In addition, the film attempts to add background to the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick by showing, in an opening scene, a morning after they apparently slept together. Benedick steals away quietly while Beatrice pretends to be asleep. Benedick is beardless, so this is presumably some time before the plot of the movie takes place.

Cast

Amy Acker as Beatrice, niece of Leonato.
Alexis Denisof as Benedick, of Padua; companion of Don Pedro.
Reed Diamond as Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon.
Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, the constable in charge of Messina’s night watch.
Clark Gregg as Leonato, governor of Messina; Hero’s father.
Fran Kranz as Claudio, of Florence; a count, companion of Don Pedro, friend to Benedick.
Sean Maher as Don John, “the Bastard Prince,” brother of Don Pedro.
Jillian Morgese as Hero, Leonato’s daughter.
Spencer Treat Clark as Borachio, follower of Don John.
Riki Lindhome as Conrade, lover of Don John (originally, follower of Don John, a male role).
Ashley Johnson as Margaret, waiting-gentlewoman attendant on Hero.
Emma Bates as Ursula, waiting-gentlewoman attendant on Hero.
Tom Lenk as Verges, the Headborough, Dogberry’s partner
Nick Kocher as First watchman
Brian McElhaney as Second watchman
Joshua Zar as Leonato’s aide
Paul M. Meston as Friar Francis, a priest.
Romy Rosemont as The Sexton, the district attorney at Borachio and Conrade’s interrogation (originally, the judge of the trial of Borachio, a male role).