My
task with the Film Group in our project work was to take a closer look at the
differences between the two versions of the film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, according to the
directors’ point of view, the camera angles and camera movement. For that we
rived a specific scene off both of the movies, namely Joss Whedon’s 2012
version and Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 version. This specific scene was Hero’s and
Claudio’s wedding scene which has been proved to be a perfect subject for that,
since this is one of the few scenes where every character is present,
contributing to the events. While I was observing this particular scene, I
could not avoid noticing the difference between the two movies in the view of
the emphasis they put on Don John.
Obviously,
Don John is one of the main characters - if not the most important -, in the play,
the conflict emerges because of him. At the beginning of the wedding scene the
spectator already knows that something will happen and in the 2012 version it
is even highlighted when the camera focuses on Don John from above, showing his profile as he looks down on Claudio and
Don Pedro. We can even notice a self-sufficient smile on his face suggesting
that he perfectly knows that his plan has worked. In contrast to this, the 1993
version does not lay particular emphasis on him in that scene, he is not
highlighted and the camera does not focus on him directly and for a long time. 
Furthermore,
in the 2012 version of the movie throughout the wedding scene Don John is set off several times.
For example when the events reach its climax the camera focuses on him again,
picking him out of the audience as he looks around seeing the consequences of
his plan. Again, to this the 1993 version does not pay significant attention,
Don John is only perceptible in the background, and even when he speaks we
cannot see his face. Contrary to this, in Whedon’s version, when Don John
speaks to Claudio half of his body is shown; we are allowed to see his face and
his gestures, which characterize the whole movie, while in Branagh’s adaptation
usually only the actors’ and actresses’ face is shown in conversations.
Moreover, Whedon tries to bring some humour into the scene with highlighting
Don John again at the end, stealing a cupcake when he leaves.
In
conclusion, according to the above analysed scene with the mentioned features,
in my opinion, Joss Whedon has put more emphasis upon the role of the “bad
guy”, highlighting his actions in the events. The spectator’s attention is
drawn to him before the trouble occurs, he is in the spotlight in the 2012 version,
whereas in the 1993 adaptation he seems more like he hides in the shadow,
observes the drama from the background. However, Don John’s effacement does not
reduce his importance and his key role in the overall story, Whedon’s decision
to focus on him more has turned him into the bad guy more than in Branagh’s
representation.
The article raises a good point which is indeed quite perceptible in this scene. Putting the focus on Don John seems to accentuate that he is at the root of the tragedy. However I think it is interesting to examine what this means with regards to the other characters. If Don John is more blameable than logically others are less blameable.
ReplyDeleteBy comparing the scenes from the two films it is clear that Claudio’s behaviour is significantly more horrible in Branagh’s version while he is milder in Whedon’s version. His behaviour borders on the acceptable because of his broken heart. A bit later Leonato is milder as well.
Therefore having an appointed “bad guy” results in the loss of the moral ambiguity of the other characters which might not be that good but it was certainly entertaining to see.
It is a really interesting observation that you made, I was just wondering what could be the reason for the director's choice of emphasizing the character of Don John. I also believe that in the twenty-first century, the audience is rather interested in "villain characters" because they are such entertaining to see, especially the way their characters are developed throughout the film. To add one more point, the choice of the actor who plays Don John is also notable, I would guess that nowadays the depiction of a good looking bad guy is regarded as a perfect tool to raise attention.
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