Chip Kaufmann’s Pick:
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)
It’s always instructive (not to mention a lot of fun) to compare a new film adaptation to an earlier one. Sometimes, as in the case of The Great Gatsby, there is more than one major version out there. This often happens when the original source material is literary and quite often when you’re dealing with Shakespeare. In the case of Much Ado however, there is only the 1993 Kenneth Branagh film to compare to the recent Joss Whedon one (reviewed in this issue).
Shakespeare’s tale of 2 pairs of star crossed but absolutely clueless lovers, the machinations of an evil Count, and the tireless devotion to duty by a local constable who says one thing but means another is brilliantly performed by a cast of mostly British actors and some surprising American ones.
Director-star Branagh utilizes a beautiful Italian villa, flamboyant camerawork, stirring music from Patrick Doyle, and excellent costumes to bring this play vividly to life. There is also Emma Thompson as the absolute personification of Shakespeare’s misanthropic Beatrice and, in her first major role, Kate Beckinsale as one of the lovers.
It is the height of irony that this film was made right before the breakup of Branagh and Thompson who were then the British stage’s version of Charles & Diana. Their exchanges as Benedick & Beatrice are funny, sad, poignant, and even a little melancholy reminding us that Much Ado About Nothing is really nothing more than an early screwball comedy. Too bad it didn’t end that way in real life.
If you never seen this film version of Shakespeare’s comedy, hold off until after you’ve seen the Whedon version if you can. Branagh’s Tuscan locations, striking visualizations, and pitch perfect delivery of the text even by such American choices as a young Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, and an absolutely hilarious Michael Keaton make this THE version of Much Ado About Nothing to see for a complete appreciation of the play.
Michelle Keenan’s Pick:
Bull Durham (1988)
Each of my reviews this month inspired various DVD picks – Before Sunrise or Before Sunset were befitting for Before Midnight. I was tempted re-visit The Pineapple Express after watching This is the End. And of course with Man of Steel, one can’t help but remember the Christopher Reeve Superman films.
Any and all of these are great suggestions for your viewing pleasure, but when I heard a special 25th anniversary edition of Bull Durham was being released, I had my pick, hands down. Besides, when the boys of summer are doing their thing, it’s a good time for a cold beer and a baseball movie.
Shot in part in Asheville at the Tourist’s own McCormick field, Bull Durham tells the story of an aging ball player, Crash Davis (Kevin Costner) trying to make it back to the show but perennially mired in the minor league. When he is recruited by the Durham Bulls, he’s tasked with educating a talented but buffoonish pitcher, appropriately named “Nuke” Laloosh (Tim Robbins). Unbeknownst to Crash, someone else has decided to dedicate her poetic talents and sexy skills to the cause as well. Each season Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon) picks a new player to bed down with and cultivate his big league potential.
Annie understandably picks Nuke; he needs a lot of teaching whereas there doesn’t seem to be much Crash doesn’t already know about life, love and baseball. However, staying focused on Nuke proves challenging with Crash in the picture.
Costner is pitch perfect and in his element. Sarandon has never been sexier. Robbins’ Nuke is dumber than a bag of hammers but oh so likeable. The three of them, combined with a sparkling script, a great soundtrack and minor league, sleepy southern town backdrop is recipe for greatness.
Bull Durham is smartly written, fun to watch and sexy as hell. It seems a seasonally appropriate pick this month, but it’s a perfect date night pick any time of the year. A special 25th anniversary DVD, with new features and commentary is available now.
