Monday, March 15, 2004

Beginning of Act 2, Sc. 3 book vs. film

I am, once again, discussing the play in book form vs the BBC film version: Benedick: Boy! [ENTER BOY] Boy: Yes Signior? Benedick: In my chamber window lies a book. Bring it hither to me in the orchard. --from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" Tthe way the BBC did this, and the way I envisioned it was completely different. I loved the humor in the BBC version. When the boy returns with the book, he does not know of Claudio, Prince, and Leonato talking. But Benedick wants to hear all they have to say about Beatrice loving Benedick. So, when the boy runs over with the book, Benedick worries that he'll be spotted (although, of course, the men know he's there) and so he grabs the boy, and covers his mouth to hide. I didn't picture so much humor in the acting out of the scene. Both in this situation, and the one I discussed in my last entry, it seems really interesting the way a play can change-- when read to when preformed. THis seems to be something that sets plays apart from other literature entirely. Interesting. Posted by Beth Williams on 3/15/04; 9:48:40 AM from the dept. Discuss

Much Ado .... book vs. film #1

Benedick: Ha! "Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner." There's a double meaning in that. "I took no more pains for those thanks than you took pains to thank me." That's as much as to say "Any pains that I take for you is as easy as thanks." If I do not take pity in her, I am a villain; if I do not love her, I am a Jew. I will go get her picture. --from Shakespeare's, "Much Ado About Nothing" This soliloquy stood out in particular as one that I envisioned completely differently from how the BBC version of "Much Ado" was preformed. I thought that Benedick was angry, and amused that the men had said Beatrice loved him, because she had not acted like it when she evnvited him to dinner. But the BBC actor said his lines directly to the camera, and very humerously.... and as though he SUDDENLY loved Beatrice. I'm not sure which way is what Shakespeare intended... probably more like the way the BBC did it, because there IS so much humor in his plays. However, its interesting to realize how different interpretations can be done. I thought the BBC version was okay, but I didn't love it... hopefully this coming week we'll watch some great versions. I love Emma Thompson, so thhat version sounds great. Posted by Beth Williams on 3/15/04; 9:41:55 AM from the dept. Discuss