original title:
The Merchant of Venice
italian title:
Il Mercante di Venezia
directed by:
cast:
Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, Lynn Collins, Joseph Fiennes, Kris Marshall, Zuleikha Robinson, Charlie Cox, Heather Goldenhersh, Mackenzie Crook, John Sessions, Gregor Fisher, Ron Cook, Allan Corduner, Anton Rodgers, David Harewood
screenplay:
cinematography:
editing:
set design:
costume design:
music:
producer:
Michael Cowan, Cary Brakow, Edwige Fenech, Luciano Martino, Jimmy De Brabant, Barry Navidi, Bob Bellion, Nigel Goldsack, Jason Piette
production:
Immagine e Cinema, Istituto Luce, Dania Film, Dania Film, Spice Factory, Shaylock Trading Ltd., Wilde Productions, Avenue Pictures, Luxe Production
distribution:
country:
USA/Italy/Luxembourg/UK
year:
2004
film run:
124'
format:
35mm - colour
aspect ratio:
2.35:1
sound:
Dolby Digital
release date:
11/02/2005
festivals & awards:
Venice, 16th century. Bassanio asks Antonio to lend him 3,000 ducats so that
he may woo Portia, heiress to her father Belmont’s fortune. Antonio is rich, but
his money is tied up in foreign ventures. He therefore turns to Shylock the Jew,
who has been waiting to take his revenge on Antonio for some time. Hence the
frightening bond: if the money is not paid back within three months, Shylock
will be given a pound of Antonio’s flesh. According to her father’s will, Portia
can marry no man unless he passes the test of the three caskets. Bassanio chooses
the right casket and weds Portia. News arrives that Antonio’s ships have been
wrecked, and that he cannot honour his debt to Shylock. The matter is brought
before the Doge’s court, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. Antonio is
bound by law to consent. However, Portia arrives in Venice disguised as an advocate
and saves the merchant’s flesh and honour thanks to a legal quibble:
Shylock may cut his pound of flesh from Antonio, but without so much as
spilling a drop of blood.
From a play by William Shakespeare.