Barnes & Noble

Of all Shakespeare’s classic plays, The Merchant of Venice has been among the least frequently tackled by filmmakers, who perhaps are uncomfortable with its apparent anti-Semitism and harshness of tone. This adaptation, written and directed by Michael Radford (Il Postino), confronts the play’s less savory aspects head on. As played by Al Pacino, the moneylender Shylock revels in the bargain he has made with the openly contemptuous merchant Antonio: If the loan is not paid back on time, he will extract a pound of flesh from the borrower. Shakespeare succumbed to the temptation to stereotype Shylock, but he also allowed the character to voice his pain and frustration over the way Christians treat their Jewish neighbors. “Hath not a Jew eyes?” begins one of the playwright’s most famous speeches -- and one of the most plaintive pleas for acceptance uttered by a fictional character on behalf of an entire people. Pacino’s trademark intensity serves him well in this part, and Jeremy Irons infuses his Antonio with the vaguely sinister melancholy he has brought to so many roles. The story’s comedic aspect -- centering on the romance of Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) and Portia (Lynn Collins) -- is handled neatly but pales beside the Shylock-Antonio conflict: the young lovers are entirely unaware that their relationship is bringing pain to others. Filmed in Venice, this Merchant has been beautifully mounted with regard to sets and costumes. It’s one of the most accessible Shakespeare adaptations we’ve seen in many years, and it makes a worthy introduction to one of the Bard’s greatest works. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

One of William Shakespeare's most powerful comedies has been given a bold cinematic adaptation in this film version of The Merchant of Venice. Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) is a young and vital member of the aristocratic classes in 16th century Italy; however, Bassanio's impulsive nature and lavish lifestyle have put him deeply in debt, and he will need at least the pretense of a fortune if he is to win the hand of the beautiful Portia (Lynn Collins). Bassanio turns to his close friend Antonio (Jeremy Irons), a successful businessman, for financial help, but with much of his fortune tied up in a sailing expedition, Antonio can do little to help him. To help Bassanio, Antonio turns to Shylock (Al Pacino), a Jewish money lender who lives in Venice's Semetic ghetto. Antonio has often expressed his contempt for Shylock, who charges high rates for his loans, and Shylock clearly seems pleased at the ironic prospect of having Antonio as a customer; however, instead of interest, Shylock demands an unusual security on his loan -- though Shylock demands no interest, if Antonio does not repay the three thousand ducats in three months, Shylock will be entitled to a pound of his flesh. This version of The Merchant of Venice was directed by Michael Radford, best known for the international hit Il Postino, and was shot on locations in Venice and Luxembourg. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 043396109100
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English
• Subtitles: Français
• Time: 2:11:00
• Sales Rank: 13,152

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