Ok, here’s some simple math that I wish more studios in Hollywood understood. What do you get when you add solid compelling material with a cast of talented true actors? A bloody good film. This is what the equation seems to add up to in The Merchant of Venice.
3 actors who I would easily include in any top 25 actors list lead the cast (Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino and Joseph Fiennes) that apparently all hold their own with these heavey weights. Hollywood News gives us this:
So, the story breaks down like this. Set in 16th century Venice, the film follows Antonio (Jeremy Irons) who approaches Jew Shylock (Al Pacino) to lend him a sum of money to help his close friend Bassanio (Joseph Fiennes) win the heart of rich, noble totty, Portia whose castle lies on the island of Belmont. When loaning the money, Shylock refuses to charge interest on the loan and agrees that Antonio should give up a ‘pound of flesh’ should he not repay the money on time. Little does Antonio know, that Shylock holds a grudge against him and when he fails to repay the debt on time, the Jew sets out to claim his bond as agreed, in full.
One surprising thing we can look forward to is the performance of Lynn Collins:
the standout acting role belongs to the relatively unknown Lynn Collins as Portia. Take away her small role in this years 13 Going on 30, this is one of her first appearances on screen, and what a role — what a performance. Look out for this young starlet in the future.
This film, with this source material and this cast of true actors… wow… I’m looking forward to this.
