Rooted in 16th century Venice, The Merchant of Venice is a movie adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic literature novel. An audience critic from Rotten Tomatoes has been delightfully appealed by the film, calling it “a beautiful and emotionally gripping masterpiece”. British actor Jeremy Irons’ depiction of his character Antonio in the film is remarkably striking, and he has blatantly showed the depths one would go through for a friend, even at the cost of his life. At a first glance, Antonio is seen as a wealthy merchant who chooses to put both his fortune and life on the line as to assist his good friend Bassanio in the courting of a noblewoman. Nevertheless, beneath the scratched surface, the actor’s every word, action and facial expression
…show more content…
It is highly anticipated that the character Antonio may have homoerotic desire for his friend, contrary to popular beliefs that his decision to put his head in the noose was solely based off friendship. The Merchant of Venice has covertly insinuated upon an ill-boding and unreciprocated love displayed on Antonio’s account.
Although it is not proven, there are theories that hint at Antonio’s melancholic behaviour due to him suffering from his infatuation for Bassanio. “In truth, I know not why I am so sad.”; this is Antonio’s first line in the film, with the actor’s brooding silhouette behind the windows as he walks, staring distantly beyond the confines of the building. Without a doubt, Bassanio’s resolve to court the heiress is likely the main source of Antonio’s dejection. The director, Michael Radford, has even dramatized a homosexual …show more content…
Radford has modified the original play by including several innuendoes regarding Antonio’s illicit love for Bassanio. The two actors in question have also partaken in a fervent kissing scene as sensual as any with Bassanio’s ladylove. Of course, many Shakespeare critics do not typically appraise Antonio as such, for a platonic love between two men have been known as the highest form of love back in the Shakespearean era. More currently known as ‘bromance’, such gestures portraying fondness among men is regarded as a higher form of love than between a man and a woman, even if they are
It is highly anticipated that the character Antonio may have homoerotic desire for his friend, contrary to popular beliefs that his decision to put his head in the noose was solely based off friendship. The Merchant of Venice has covertly insinuated upon an ill-boding and unreciprocated love displayed on Antonio’s account.
Although it is not proven, there are theories that hint at Antonio’s melancholic behaviour due to him suffering from his infatuation for Bassanio. “In truth, I know not why I am so sad.”; this is Antonio’s first line in the film, with the actor’s brooding silhouette behind the windows as he walks, staring distantly beyond the confines of the building. Without a doubt, Bassanio’s resolve to court the heiress is likely the main source of Antonio’s dejection. The director, Michael Radford, has even dramatized a homosexual …show more content…
Radford has modified the original play by including several innuendoes regarding Antonio’s illicit love for Bassanio. The two actors in question have also partaken in a fervent kissing scene as sensual as any with Bassanio’s ladylove. Of course, many Shakespeare critics do not typically appraise Antonio as such, for a platonic love between two men have been known as the highest form of love back in the Shakespearean era. More currently known as ‘bromance’, such gestures portraying fondness among men is regarded as a higher form of love than between a man and a woman, even if they are