Merchant Of Venice Film Analysis - 1309 Words

The movie adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Michael Radford in 2004, is the first full-length sound film in English, of Shakespeares play. Radford’s adaptation helps the modern day moviegoer understand the complexity of the plays sensitive and controversial topics. There are a litany of differences between the two. However, the storyline and themes remain closely in line with one another. The film differs from the play in some chronological instances. For example, the play has Lorenzo and Jessica runway with one another before the Moroccans casket choice at Portias’ castle. These two scenes occur in reverse order in the film version. Radford has various scenes that have been spliced or reordered in his adaptation, which†¦show more content†¦When Antonio first emerges, he is walking through a mob of Christians as they berate the Jews for their usury profession. Hes wearing a large crucifix around his neck, which serves as a compelling visual link between Antonio and the church. Antonio is being beckoned to in a friendly, welcoming tone by Shylock who then reaches his hand out to greet Antonio. He responds quickly, by spitting in Shylock’s face. This action creates an immediate question of fairness with the viewers. By adding this specific opening scene, the audience becomes aware of the key characters, Shylock and Antonio, as well as the mistreatment of Jews. Having the film open with cruel, anti-Semitic behavior is a deliberate tactic by Radford used to address the harsh subject of the film from the onset. Radford also utilizes this scene to create a more relatable character in Shylock before beginning the actual storyline. In the play Shylock is more overtly portrayed as a villain, where Radford reconstructs Shylock to embody both villain and victim. As a viewer of the film, we are privy to emotions from Antonio and Shylock that we are not able to so quickly glean from the lines of the play. For example, in the fil m, the depth of Shylocks despair is palpable when he is shown weeping, clinging to a tapestry for stability, in utter dismay at the loss of his daughter. There is an immediate emotional connection with Shylock at this moment, one that so easily formed in the play. When Salanio’sShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Film Production Of The Merchant Of Venice1249 Words   |  5 PagesFilm Review Michael Radford s 2004 film production of The Merchant of Venice provides a well-executed and generally faithful rendition of Shakespeare s play. Radford s production especially succeeds in both its casting and set design that elevates the mood and drama contained in Shakespeare s text. In addition to the filming, particular attention was taken to following the original text, but some interesting in liberties in plot details were taken. Radford’s production serves as an exemplarRead MoreEssay about Merchant of Venice Film Analysis2451 Words   |  10 PagesEnglish 101-210 Final Draft Battle of the Directors The Merchant of Venice, also known as â€Å"The Jew of Venice† is a drama play originally written by William Shakespeare in 1598. The major conflict occurs when a man named Antonio (Venetian merchant) fails to pay off a loan to a greedy Jewish money loaner known as Shylock who demands a pound of flesh from Antonio in return. Antonio and his friends take a journey through friendship, love, and hatred in an attempt to free him of his pound of fleshRead MoreAntonio and Bassanio1173 Words   |  5 Pagesfactors that contribute to answering the question. In the preformed version of Michael Radford Merchant of Venice there is a strong depiction of homosexuality, which is his own analysis of their relationship. This could alter the audience’s view on the play, as this theme is noticeable and quite obvious. 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