The Merchant of Venice
The Merchant of Venice
#0The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:19pm
I went to an afternoon show of "The Merchant of Venice" at the Lincoln Plaza on the Upper West Side yesterday. This is by far the worst Shakespeare adaptation in a good long while. Al Pacino's Shylock is the only reason to see this limp film. Jeremy Irons' Antonio is surprisingly stale, and Joseph Fiennes is just lost. Lynn Collins, who got great reviews as Portia, was really bad. I mean, really terrible.
Has anybody else seen this movie?
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#1re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:23pmNo. I actually can't tolerate Al Pacino so I tend to avoid movies he's in unless there's an incredible other reason to see it.
#2re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:36pm
Well, he's actually the only good part of this film.
But don't see it.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#3re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:40pm
Oh don't worry, I won't. 
#4re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:42pm
It's for your own safety.
BTW, how was "Grand Hotel" with my other beloved, Mary Elizabeth Masterantonio?
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#5re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 1:47pmThe piece was slight and consequently came across a bit melodramatic, but Mary Elizabeth was sensational. Very funny and very touching and she sang her big solo number beautifully. I love her so and I was so happy to see her at such close quarters.
#6re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 2:02pmI'm dissapointed that I won't get to see it, and that there won't be a recording. I love Mary Elizabeth, and think that she is the best Aldonza ever. The theatre is where she belongs.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#7re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 2:28pmIt's a shame that her name isn't enough to get it recorded. The Donmar used to record their shows too. Boo hoo.
#8re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 2:46pmIt's the same thing with Encores! here in the States. Now, they only record based on popular demand.
#9re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 6:41pmDidn't this movie get great reviews, though?
#10re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 7:16pmThey were decidely mixed. Most praised Pacino's Shylock, which was great, and the only part of the movie that did anything for me.
#11re: The Merchant of Venice
Posted: 2/1/05 at 8:04pmThere was an article in the Chicago Trib about how Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice was anti-semetic. 'Twas quite interesting...
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