The Merchant of Venice (2004) - Shylock

The Merchant of Venice is a 2004 film adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy of the same name (believed to have been written between 1596 and 1598). It follows Shakespeare's text very closely, and is the first full-length sound film version in English of Shakespeare's play.

The Merchant of Venice story shows a 16th century Venice, where Bassanio wishes to travel to Belmont for a romantic ambition to a wealthy heiress Portia. He then approaches his rich friend Antonio to subsidize his traveling expenses; but Antonio agree only if Bassanio can find a lender.

Bassanio then turns to the Jewish moneylender Shylock and names Antonio as the loan’s guarantor. Shylock agree, but proposes a condition for the loan: if Antonio is unable to repay it at the specified date, he may take a pound of Antonio's flesh.

The Merchant of Venice principal casts are Al Pacino as rich Jewish moneylender Shylock, Joseph Fiennes as Bassanio the young Venice nobleman, Jeremy Irons as Antonio the merchant, and Lynn Collins as Portia the rich heiress of Belmont. The film directed by Michael Radford, and its awesome, realistic look of Venice streets was designed by production designer Bruno Rubeo, who was honored by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists for his excellent work.