The Merchant of Venice / Trevor Nunn, Royal National Theatre

Rating:
Summary: Shylock-centered version
Review: This is a typical but well-done modern production, with far more sympathy for Shylock than the original text intended. The setting is pre-fascist Italy, with Portia's Belmont estate handsomely modeled after the art of Klimt. The interaction between Goodman's passionate, intelligent Shylock and Bamber's masochistic, hysterical Antonio is especially intense. There's a powerful moment when Shylock and his daughter share a Hebrew song; it has absolutely nothing to do with Shakespeare's play, but it's beautiful and poignant. The final courtroom scene contrasts well with the same scene in the BBC production (available in the "Comedies of William Shakespeare" 5-pack).

Rating:
Summary: riveting performances - Shakespeare at his best!
Review: This Royal National Threatre production is an excellent presentation of one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays. I was riveted for the whole performance, which is what a good production of Shakespeare should do. Although it does not have the same production values as a Branagh production (it is more of a stage production on film), the acting and direction are suberb. Henry Goodman as Shylock delivers an especially strong performance and won an award for it. The setting in the pre-War period really works, unlike many other transpositions of Shakespeare I have seen, and the sets, with its use of contemporary art, though minimal, also work. I highly recommend this DVD.