(TV Movie)
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| Bob Peck as Shylock |
4/5 stars
Antonio (Benjamin Whitrow) takes out a loan from money-lender Shylock (Bob Peck) for his friend Bassanio (Paul McGann), promising a pound of flesh if he can't repay. When disaster strikes and Antonio looses everything, Shylock is determined to make him pay in full. Bassanio's new wife, Portia (Haydn Gwynne), dons male garb and takes on the role as lawyer, to teach Shylock mercy.
Peck played Shylock well, and with much emotion, though his best speech was somewhat rushed.
McGann was an earnest Bassanio, but his unattractive costumes and terrible hair style were quite distracting. Gwynne played Portia with grace, giving her famous speech in fine style. The rest of the cast also acted naturally and elegantly. The costumes and sets are those of Shakespeare's intended era of Venice, and for the most part, looked lovely. Overall, though it left out some less important scenes, it was a fine performance and worth watching.
This movie is available to watch on YouTube:
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