The Royal Shakespeare Company is back with their take on The Merchant Of Venice, one of Shakespeare's classic tragedies. This cinematic release contains the usual commentary from the cast and crew and some behind-the-scenes footage in addition to a full recording of the live performance itself.
The Merchant Of Venice follows a deal made between merchant Antonio and the Jewish moneylender Shylock, with the forfeit for failing to repay the sum by three months' end the infamous 'pound of flesh'. At the film's start, director Polly Findlay reminds us that the play has endured the 400 years since Shakespeare's death on the back of the timeless enmity between the 'good' Christians and the 'foreigner' Shylock, an enmity that mirrors the intolerance we still see today in our society and the media.
The production itself, as you might expect from the RSC, is excellent. Patsy Ferran carries the play with her charming yet determined Portia, while Makram Khoury doggedly pursues Venetian justice as the ill-treated Shylock. The entire set is constructed of a shimmery, golden, reflective surface that reflects the audience, and a heavy pendulum swings ominously throughout while Tim Samuels keeps you laughing with impeccable comic timing as the clown, Launcelot.
If you're a fan of Shakespeare's tragedy, this is worth the watch. Be prepared to settle in, though — with additional commentary on top of an already lengthy play, the film pushes past two and a half hours in duration.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
