an ordinary blog — andr3.net

I'm not a big fan of adaptations to the big screen of Shakespearean plays, but this one caught my eye, despite not having the slightest idea of what the story was about – well, i knew it was in Venice. :)

Bassanio: Do all men kill the things they do not love?

Shylock: Hates any man the thing he would not kill?

What can I say about this movie? It has one of the most impressive scenic performances, by an actor, that i've ever seen. Al Pacino has distinguished himself ages ago among the myriads of other actors who strive for recognition. It's amazing that after all this time he can still surprise us with intelligently chosen roles and matching performances. Recently, he took by breath away in Mike Nichol's Angels in America as a dying man.

And now, in this movie, he confirms what we already know; He plays on a very different league than the rest. He does so with such striking scenes as one heartfelt speech against anti-semitism that will move even the coldest of the viewers. Throughout the movie, he keeps up the quality of his performance, never saying a word without meaning it. Flawless acting, that is.

Also, i need to highlight the impressive acting by Joseph Fiennes and by the well known Jeremy Irons. Both of them deliver great moments on screen, completing the movie with an overall astonishing performance of the cast. Even the usually comic Kris Marshall – you might remember him as Nick, in BBC's My Family – was very serious and compelling. Lynn Collins, who played Portia, was a surprise to me. I had never seen her in any movie and she had some pretty emotional moments in the movie. The whole cast did very well.

Visually, it's very good. But i think the city of Venice played a huge part in that. ;) Good note on the wardrobe as well.

Regarding the story, it's Shakespeare. I don't know if the adaptation was well done or not, but i liked the outcome. With the recognizable vocabulary and an intelligent way of telling the story it kept me glued to the screen all the way through. The action is well paced, draws a gasp here and there, provokes a certain anxiety on the viewer and provides with very stressful moments which are all good things.

The plot circle around a christian merchant who borrows some money from a jew to help a friend, ending up in his debt. At its foundations, i believe it's about rage and how it can blind a man with a broken-heart, making him disregard every shard of humanity in him. Those were harsh times...

For those who have watched, was I the only one who felt pity for Shylock?