The Merchant of Venice

Title: The Merchant of Venice
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Drama
Starring: Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes, Lyn Collins

To continue with "Shakespeare", this time it's the representation of "Michael Radford" that caught my attention. This is the first work of by "Shakespeare" that I have read, and now I came to notice that the although it's one of the best "Shakespeare" plays and that it contains some of the most memorable scenes in his catalogue, it's heavily overlooked in cinema. Basically every major play got its share of attention except this one; we have to thank the vision of "Radford" the superb "Pacino" for this. I think many chose to overlook this play just because of a single hindrance, how to represent the character of "Shylock". I won't hesitate to say after seeing this film; this representation touched me more than any other "Shakespeare" representation I saw. Not just this factor, but the clever application of historical accuracy of the time period, even when it comes to irrelevant details like the attire of prostitutes, added a sense of authenticity to this film.

"Radford" cleverly dealt with the themes of this work, especially the theme dealing with "anti-Semitism". "Hath not a Jew eyes?!" This is probably my favorite Shakespearean soliloquy, and here it's delivered as a symbolic speech about prejudice in general. "Radford" was delicate in handling scenes like this. "Shylock" isn't shown as some old nasty Jew who just wants to shed blood for the sake shedding it, but as a human after getting strike after strike is driven to a point which no one shall envy. The representation of "Venice" is truly remarkable. We easily live there through this film. Every detail was cleverly worked out. Who have read this play before anticipates from the beginning of the film the iconic courtroom scene, I don't think he/she will be disappointed. The situation intensifies each second, with opposing factions demanding "justice"; we are given one of the best courtroom scenes I have ever. The conclusion and what happens to "Shylock" will literally make a happy human miserable when he/she sees it. I don't desire to spoil by mentioning details, all I can advice is just to watch it. The film is also well done on a technical merit. With careful camera footage and concentration of light, we can comprehend what the characters feel, yet at the same time wonder if there's more. Like with the relation of "Bassanio" and "Antonio".

Many actors have a distinct tone that differentiates them from the others. Tones like those of "Robert De Niro", "Christopher Walken", and of course "Al Pacino" can never be mistaken. Only this time "Al Pacino" as "Shylock" surprises us and touches us in a way he never did before. The "eyes" soliloquy was delivered by "Pacino" in a bitter voice and manner, yet at the same time we feel he's weeping and about to collapse from his misery. I shall never forget the final look on his face. While all the actors adapted their characters well, it was that great collaboration between "Pacino" and "Radford" that really touches us as they gave rise to one of the most difficult "Shakespeare" characters to represent. If "Shylock" was criminal royalty, we shall sympathize to him by what we will see.

Although we are spellbound by the ordeal of "Shylock", we are left with a bunch of questions unanswered; why on earth did she do that to her father?! Did he really deserve it? Questions like these "Redford" wasn't able to encounter, sometimes I don't think he even wanted to. While I would have preferred a better exploration of "Antonio's" (Irons) dilemma, we are given unnecessary focus on matters like "Portia" (Collins) and "Bassanio" (Fiennes). I comprehend the importance of these two characters, but I thoroughly believe we should have seen more of "Antonio's ordeal. While not the best "Shakespeare" film I saw, it certainly contains one of my top three performances, and I think all should try this out. In general, "Radford" did a good job with handling this film, and "Al Pacino" gave us something to remember. This is one of these films that I won't get bored of watching, and certainly will see it again.

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