Delightful, A Film That Outdoes Itself I rented this film, having seen some photographs from it, and having read the play (which is my favorite of Shakespeare's), so I did not really know what to expect. I was floored. I laughed and cried, I got goosebumps all over and found a new film to add to my list of favorites. This is something special. Kenneth Branagh is just perfect as the eloquent Benedick, bringing out shades of heroism, humor, wit, romance and gaiety in his performance. Emma Thompson is hilarious from her first lines ("God help the noble Claudio! If he have caught the Benedick, it will cost him a thousand pound ere he be cured!") and she perfectly captures Beatrice wit and wisdom in her performance. She and Branagh have real chemistry, and the films most exhilarating scene is when she and Benedick admit that they love the other, and both give free reign to their emotion; Benedick by splashing through a fountain, and Beatrice by swinging like a little girl again.
Kate Beckinsale and Robert Sean Leonard are quite good as fair Hero and the passionate Claudio, bringing a bit more life to the romance of the two. Claudio was properly gullible and hot-blooded, sentimental and quick to act, and Hero was gentle and modest, laughing at her cousin and obeying her father, a calming influence on her betrothed. I also enjoyed Denzel Washington's Don Pedro - he seemed always in control, honorable and solicitous of everyone, as the Prince should be. Richard Briers was also very good as Signoir Leonato, Hero's wise and gentle father. Michael Keaton was very funny - so over the top; I had never thought that much humor could be invested into the character of Dogberry, the constable, though sometimes I want to fast-forward his scenes and get back to our two couples. Very badly done was John the Bastard, played by Keanu Reeves as very wooden and one-note. He looks as if he is ready to stab someone in every scene, instead of being devious and calculating. The scenery is beautiful, and Patrick Doyle (who composed another one of my favorite films and scores, Sense and Sensibility) really outdid himself with the music. The best examples of this are the song "Sigh No More, Ladies", the opening sequence, the fountain/swing scenes, and Hero's first wedding. A wonderful introduction to Shakespeare, and a truly enjoyable film for those long aquatinted with the Bard. Ere you watch anything else, see this truly excellent film!