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DVD William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
Rarely has The Merchant of Venice, one of Shakespeare's most complex plays, looked as ravishingly sumptuous as in this adaptation, directed by Michael Radford (Il Postino). In a decadent version of renaissance Venice, a young nobleman named Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes, Shakespeare in Love) seeks to woo the lovely Portia (newcomer Lynn Collins), but lacks the money to travel to her estate. He seeks support from his friend, the merchant Antonio (Jeremy Irons, Reversal of Fortune); Antonio's fortune is tied up in sea ventures, so the merchant offers to borrow money from a Jewish moneylender, Shylock (Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon). But Shylock holds a grudge against Antonio, who has routinely treated the Jew with contempt, and demands that if the debt is not repaid in three months, the price will be a pound of Antonio's flesh.
The Merchant of Venice is famous as a "problem play"--the gritty matters of moneylending and anti-Semitism sit uncomfortably beside the fairy tale elements of Portia and Bassanio's romance, and some twists of the plot can seem arbitrary or even cruel. The strength of Radford's intelligent and passionate interpretation is that he and the excellent cast invest the play's opposing facets with full emotional weight, thus making every question the play raises acute and inescapable. Irons is particularly compelling; kindness and blind prejudice sit side by side in his breast, rendering the clashes in his character as vivid as those in the play itself. --Bret Fetzer
Review(s): DVD William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
Pacino's Best Ever!
Who would have thought tough guy Al Pacino would provide the the most sensitive, believable and meaningful portrayal of Shylock ever to hit the stage or screen? This DVD is an essential for both Pacino AND Shakespeare fans, two groups I would never have associated together before. The cinematography is breathtaking, the acting is flawless, and don't miss the notes and interviews. In fact, watch them first, to enjoy the film even more the first time. An all time favorite.
If you wrong us, shall we not revenge?
Written in a time and place of deep Jewish intolerance, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE doesn't do well as a stunning example of religious tolerance. But, with that intolerance expected in context, the work is excellent, finding a home in suspense and comedy. Now, the story has found itself a new home in a stunning feature film.
The main thrust of the story is a loan made on behalf of a love struck idealist. The loan of 3000 Ducats is received from Shylock, a Jewish Moneylender on the condition that any default in payment would mean that Shylock will receive a pound of flesh cut from Antonio, the holder of the loans bond. When the loan is not paid in time, Shylock eagerly looks to receive what is due him, getting revenge for years of hatred with Antonio.
Back to the love struck Basanio. He has taken the loaned money and uses it to win the heart and coffers of Portia. But, he gets more than he bargains for she is not only beautiful and rich, but she also has quite a legal mind, one used to great effect in wrapping up this story into a nice, neat bow.
This film version, although considerable edited, is an enviable work. The casting fills the roles with the likes of Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Feinnes and newcomer Lynn Collins. Each and everyone delivers the Shakespearian language as second nature, making the story line understanding, making one of Shakespeare's most complex works, easily accessible.
Pacino steals many of the scenes he is in (common with such a tasty role), but his "Hath not a Jew eyes?" is pure genius work. Not only does he build the suspense masterfully, but he also shows us a sympathetic Shylock. There are moments where you actually side with his villainy.
The other star of this production is director Michael Radford (Il Postino). He exceeds in giving us the sweep and majesty of the watery Venice of old, but it is his abridgement and camerawork that provides the film with great clarity. Most impressive occurs with Basanio's arrival at Portia's island. So the viewer does not forget that this mission was funded by the Jew, his entourage is dressed in sharp red. So, no matter how light and bouncy this scene became, I was always aware of what is at stake.
So, who is the Merchant of Venice? Although Shylock is the most popular character in the story, the Merchant would actually be Antonio. He is a merchant, Shylock a moneylender. Within the story, this makes sense as Antonio is the one with the most to lose, namely his life. That's why it's not called THE MONEYLENDER OF VENICE.
Outside of the bloodletting loan, the story is actually very light and pleasant: mostly a romance that cannot properly be executed unless Basanio wins a game of choice. From three boxes, he must choose the one that offers permission for the marriage.
As far as William Shakespeare's work goes, the story is mostly in verse. Ever so impressive is the depth of the iambic pentameter. This is apparent in the many different valid interpretations of Shylock on stage and screen. Using the same dialogue Shylock has been seen as a vengeful and as sympathetic.
THE MERCHANT is one of Shakespeare's more popular plays today, often portrayed on stage. If you are fortunate enough to have a production in your area, I recommend you to give it a few hours of your time. Even if not possible, this film, in spite of its abridgement is Wonderful.
This DVD includes access to a teachers guide. I suggest that everyone interested in the story take a look at it. It can help in understanding at any level.
Well Done- Solid Performances
This is a wonderful attempt to bring Shakespeare to the screen. The sets and cinematography are simply gorgeous. Every scene is beautifully filmed. The costuming is spectacular.
What truly distinguishes this film however are the acting of several of the primary characters. Most notably Lynn Collins as Portia is just astounding in this. She is beautiful on screen and absolutely dominates every scene in which she appears.
In addition Fiennes makes a great Bassanio, Jeremy Irons is good as Antonio and Al Pacino is credible and very strong as Shylock.
There is as usual with film versions of Shakespeare some editing of the play and some of the choices were less than optimal which is why I deducted 1 star.
Overall I would highly recommend this. It is a beautiful film and a mostly faithful adaption of the original play.
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