The second night of the Film Festival resulted in a spirited conversation with author and columnist Ron Rosenbaum, a Shakespeare expert, who reminded the audience that the film version of the classic play is essentially “Shylock-light.” Compared to the play, the film version softens the anti-Semitism, which, in Rosenbaum’s mind, is irredeemable. For him, the play is radioactive, a propaganda piece for Jew-hatred and bigotry. He told the audience how many productions of the play were mounted during the Third Reich, and that the decision to do so was not motivated by a love of Shakespeare, but rather in order to inflame the anti-Semitism that would eventually lead to Auschwitz. Thane Rosenbaum, no relation to Ron other than as good friends, was more interested in the way in which Shylock is presented as a man who is pushed too far by his Christian tormentors, and so the “pound of flesh” that he seeks, the specific performance on the contract that he demands, is motivated entirely by rage and revenge rather than sound business judgment. Portia may offer him the salvation that comes from Christian mercy, but he has no reason to accept her alternative remedy, given the way he has been so maliciously treated by Antonio and his friends.
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The Merchant of Venice
4 Responses to “The Merchant of Venice”
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What can be said of the whole Trial scene if it had been found out that the “young doctor of law” was not a man but a woman? Do you suppose the outcome would have been different?
What can be said of the Trial scene if the “young doctor of law” was found out to be a woman disguised as a man? Would the outcome be any different?
Who would you say Bassanio is more loyal to- Portia or Antonio?
Though I have read The Merchant of Venice in high school, this film has brought a somewhat different “lime light” to the Shakespearean play. The idea of anti-semiticism is more pronounced here than I possibly think Shakespeare intended or posed. It makes you question then who is better in this regard–the Christians? the Jews? or Neither? Though I pose this question, I am not sure whose side I would agree with. Maybe I would say neither are better because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter whether you are a Christian, Jew or whatever you consider your religious association, human conduct is always at work. How and what people discriminate is based on our conduct and society.