Much Ado on Film

We first watched a version of Much Ado from "Shakespeare Retold," a TV version on BBC. They have done updated versions on some of his most popular plays, including Much Ado, Shrew, Macbeth, and Midsummer. Interesting. . . .you apparently can get it on netflix.

P.S. Michael also told us about another series one night during drinks called "Slings and Arrows." Here's the description from netflix: A superior ensemble cast highlights this witty series about washed-up actor Geoffrey Tennant (Paul Gross), whose failing attempts to run the Shakesperean New Burbage Festival are rescued by his brilliant mentor, Oliver Welles (Stephen Ouimette), who happens to be ... a ghost. While staging "Hamlet," "Macbeth" and "King Lear," Tennant wrangles temperamental actors, demanding sponsors and his tempestuous relationship with an actress (Martha Burns).

Might be of interest to others.

Prof. Tony Howard also showed some different versions including a BBC version that gave us a lively debate about if it was good or not. He showed the "kill Claudio" scene. Personally, I felt like the Benedick and Beatrice didn't connect enough. Jewel commented that she couldn't feel the passion. Bob commented that Benedick's final monologue was a wonderful balance of wanted to appease Beatrice but not wanted to do it. . . .trying to see if she'll "give him an out." Prof. Howard mentioned this was the best scene in the whole version. They others are "rubbish," as they say out here!

He also gave an interesting tid-bit about looking for the "missing" scenes in Shakespeare. For example, the Don Pedro and Claudio being duped scene.

We also saw a very 70's version of it with Sam Waterston. It was a gay 90's version. Very strange. . . .perhaps others think differently.

Also watched the Branaugh version. Denzel Washington in a uniform. 'Nuf said.

He mentioned a couple of versions to look up on You Tube:

And East German musical version. Also, we should search "Maggie Smith" on you tube for another version. Oh, and he mentioned one that connected to Dr. Who. . . .something about robots or something. Not sure.

All in all, I was surprised how helpful this session was. I came up with an idea to try to compile a whole bunch of Much Ado clips and use it towards the beginning of a Shakespeare unit asking kids, "Just judging on what you see. . .costumes, body language, attitude, what they say and how they say it. . . .what relationships do you see? What archetypes?"

Now, we're off to see Anne Boleyn!!!!!