Shakespeare's Counter-Place: Movie Review

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A commonplace shows the difference in the similarity while a counter-place represents the similarity in the difference, according to Dung Kai-Cheung in his fiction Atlas, the Archaeology of an Imaginary City. Although confusing, the adaptation of the Merchant of Venice and the original script are great examples that will aid in comprehending the author's theories. Through these works, the idea of counter-place is put forth, along with commonplace. The adaptation, in itself, is a commonplace as it derives from the original playwright by William Shakespeare. Yet it does not follow the latter line by line, attributing to the movie a tragic tone. Therefore, the film is also a counter-place since it opposes the comic elements Shakespeare desired. …show more content…

One is discouraged and the other, sick with revenge. Both do not laugh, during the entirety of the movie. Shylock is even portrayed as insane when he parades, searching for his lost ducats and daughter. Their characteristics are excessive, thus provoking catharsis, a feature true to tragedy. By doing so, these characters gain vital importance which shifts the focal point to them, when the moral centers around women's role in a masculine society. This could be interpreted falsely and potentially mislead the spectator. Furthermore, the use of costumes demonstrates the director's tragic views of the Merchant of Venice. The lack of attires in traditional comedic colors is proof. For example, Launcelot, known as the Clown, is dressed in tatters, while the habitual fool such as Harlequin, is in vibrant patches. Moreover, when the banquet takes place, a storm strikes, which symbolizes the intricate decisions the characters have to make: Jessica wishes to escape and Shylock concludes the bond. Pathetic fallacy, a common tragic device is employed. In addition, the climactic tension during the casket ceremony is exaggerated and excessively emphasized for a

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