i saw the merchant of venice in london last week . great acting by al pacino and jeremy iron and joseph finnes and lynn collins . compare to other movie base on shakespeare play and this production have make the play so easy to understand and follow . bravo to michael radford for direct such top actor . the costume and the scenery be great and since it be film on location in venice it give the film and authentic flavor . i have read the play over thirty year ago at school and the emphasis be on the character anti semitic behavior toward the jew and the cruelty of the christian . i do not know if this movie be go to be controversial but in any case i be sure that it will get few oscar nomination .