The Merchant of Venice

Plot Summary

Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) has fallen in love with Portia (Lynn Collins), a wealthy young woman with a plethora of suitors. In order that he may court the lovely Portia, in as lavish a style as her other pursuers, Bassanio requests a loan from his friend Antonio (Jeremy Irons). Antonio, who obviously can't refuse his handsome young friend anything, admits that all his money is tied up in overseas ventures but he will borrow what he can. Antonio ends up entering into a money lending agreement with Shylock (Al Pacino), a rich Jew that Antonio has treated disgracefully in the past. A grim penalty is set if the money is not returned on the allotted day. Meanwhile, Portia is impeded by an oath she made to her dying father from accepting or refusing any of her suitors. The first man that successfully solves a riddle, which her father had set, will be the one she will marry.

Review

This adaptation of William Shakespeare's play successfully incorporates the elements of drama, comedy and tragedy. In addition to this, the characters are well developed.  Al Pacino's performance as Shylock is very enjoyable. The unusual Shakespearean dialogue which we would not be familiar in hearing from Pacino, and his comfortable performance with the script and his role is probably the making of the film.

Jeremy Irons portrayal of the Merchant of Venice was slightly staid. Although, this may have to do with the interpretation of the character of Antonio as foolishly generous, loving unwisely, having poor business judgement and being a bigot!

Joseph Fiennes looks very handsome as Portia's paramour and little else was required from this role. Lynn Collins revealed the aspects of Portia. The highlight of her performance was the courtroom scene where Portia (dressed as a young man) makes the decision on Shylock and Antonio's bond. This scene was interpreted and transposed to film very well. Portia's authority and advice and final decree was paced excellently and Collins lead this scene expertly.

As usual with Shakespeare, sub-stories in the play add to the humour but also the tragedy. Also, as always with Shakespeare, there are plenty of 'morals-of-the-story' and excellent quotes to back them up and take home. However, the anti-Semitism that is contained in the play is quite a shocking element of the story and is introduced with a written description at the beginning of the film almost as a warning. Shakespeare does, however, give Shylock quite a couple of nice soliloquies in which to express his humanity.

Cinematography is worthy of this Venetian Shakespearean play. Vivid imagery can be found throughout. 16th century Venice is portrayed through the colourful settings and dress.

The Bottom Line: If you like the work of Shakespeare, this is an interesting and visually enjoyable adaptation of The Merchant of Venice.

Reviewed by Niamh Fox, Premier Movie Reviews 2004.

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Genre: Shakespeare drama

Director: Michael Radford

Certificate: The Merchant of Venice is rated 12 by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie). The film contains moderate violence and mild nudity.

Official Movie Website:  The Merchant of Venice

~ Main Cast ~

Al Pacino

Jeremy Irons

Joseph Fiennes

Lynn Collins

Zuleikha Robinson

Charlie Cox

RATING

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