111 – Much Ado About Nothing

We’re tackling our first Shakespeare adaptation this week with Kenneth Branagh’s Much Ado About Nothing. After launching immediately into Oscar’s good graces with his directorial debut Henry V, Branagh returned to the Bard with this lighter and more star-studded adaptation – but couldn’t match that previous film’s favor. With a cast featuring Emma Thompson, Denzel Washington, Keanu Reeves, and Michael Keaton, this film instead remains as a delightful and sexy good time. This week, we look at Branagh’s long and category spanning history with Oscar and his evolution towards a studio director of franchise films. We also dive into his affair with Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson’s double nominations in 1993, and the 1993 Golden Globe Musical/Comedy nominees. Topics also include the recent film history of Shakespeare adaptations, Thompson’s “reveal” on the Ellen sitcom, and Imelda Staunton as beer wench. Follow Us on Twitter! @Had_Oscar_Buzz Joe: @joereid Chris: @chrisvfeil