By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.125 cats
Director: Joss Whedon
Starring: Alexis Denisoff | Amy Acker | Clark Gregg | Fran Kanz | Jillian Morgese | Nathan Fillion | Tom Lenk
Country: united_states
Year: 2013
Running time: 109
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2094064/combined
Thom says: “This adaptation of the Divine William Shakespeare comedy masterpiece fully deserved the accolades it received at TIFF as this modern reading in gorgeous black & white photography was spectacularly successful. Many rehearsals must have been scheduled for the film was done in a reputed 72 hours, amazing, especially considering that few in the cast had much previous Shakespearean training. Denisof & Acker make for a perfect Benedick & Beatrice & Fillion’s amusing reading of Dogberry so reminded me of Keanu Reeves’ interpretation that I now have new respect for Keanu. This is the best version I’ve yet to see. And while modern dress is used the original text remains, adding new meaning to this terrific play. 5 cats
“Director present for standing ovation before and after the film and stars Acker, Fillion, Denisof, Bates, Gregg, Kranz, & Diamond present for after film Q&A.”
Chris says: “Joss Whedon’s take on this Shakespeare play is a total lark and has few pretensions of being anything more. Shot on the fly in black-and-white over twelve days at Whedon’s own home, it contemporizes the setting and costumes but keeps the original dialogue. The solid ensemble cast includes mostly Whedon regulars, with the biggest name being a notably bloated Nathan Fillion (FIREFLY, CASTLE) as constable Dogberry. His performance is also a highlight, sly and humorous without going anywhere near the grotesque eccentricity Michael Keaton lent the role in Kenneth Branagh’s big-budget, star-studded, sun-kissed version from twenty years ago. Elsewhere, Alexis Denisoff and Amy Acker make for a perfectly fine Benedict and Beatrice, and the Claudio (Fran Kanz) and Hero (Jillian Morgese) subplot, particularly dramatic in itself for one of the Bard’s comedies, is handled gracefully and avoids being maudlin. After a slow start, the film finds its groove: a little loose, often lighter than air, fun but grounded enough to take seriously. I can’t imagine it making quite the same impact on youthful viewers that the Branagh version had on my 18-year-old self, but as larks go, this one’s affable enough. 3.5 cats”
Toni says: “I like the differences in both versions and I am not a fan of Shakespeare’s comedies.
“I liked subtle things in how it was simply shot in B+W and some funny things like the conversation inside of a children’s room… I also liked the strong acting of the leads, especially Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof who had great chemistry.
“I can see where some people will have mixed views on this one, but for me. 4.5-5 cats”
Diane says: “I’ll meet Chris at 3.5 cats. I’m not much of a Shakespeare fan–I see productions just to see how they are placed in new settings. In Whedon’s version, the updating sometimes drew too much attention to itself, but is delightful anyway, as when an iPod is placed on a dock for musical accompaniment. But the opening context of men returning from battle with prisoners didn’t work at all with well-dressed men emerging from limos. Couldn’t they have been Navy SEALS taking off their uniforms or something?
“I thought the b/w look appropriately mimicked contemporary wedding photography–very crisp with small depth of field. My favorite parts were with the chief of police Dogberry (Nathan Fillion) and Verges (Tom Lenk)–hilarious delivery, and very funny stage business.”