Smiles of A Summer Night

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Branagh does not intrude political and social commentary into the text; he insinuates it, as in the bold casting of Malcolm X -- Denzel Washington -- as the Prince. Washington is gentle and imposing, prodding the revelry yet above it, from exclusion or choice. And the chic informality of the costumes suggests that this is an upper-class masquerade, where folks pass the time playing practical jokes with treacherous consequences, where the ladies have the cleverest lines and the most intelligent hearts.

Much Ado was shot at the Villa Vigna maggio, whose English-style gardens and genteel majesty make an ideal setting for this alfresco fairy tale of aristocrats in love. Once upon a time, Mona Lisa lived there. Now Shakespeare does.

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