Sony Classics Acquires The Merchant of Venice
Source: Sony Pictures Classics
Thursday, August 19, 2004
Sony Pictures Classics today announced the acquisition of rights in North America and Germany for Michael Radford's The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes and Lynn Collins. The film, which will debut at the Toronto and Venice Film Festivals, will open at year's end.
Adapted and directed for the screen by Academy Award Nominee Michael Radford (Il Postino), The Merchant of Venice tells Shakespeare's classic tale of morality, revenge, redemption and love. This modern approach to a timeless tale highlights Academy-Award winners Al Pacino as Shylock and Jeremy Irons as Antonio, Joseph Fiennes (Shakespeare in Love) as Bassanio and newcomer Lynn Collins as the most clever Portia.
"We are excited to continue our relationship with Sony Pictures Classics," says Gary Hamilton, managing director, Arclight Films and executive producer of the film. "We're confident this controversial, brilliant film will be high on everyone's list come awards season."
In a joint statement, Sony Pictures Classics commented, "At long last this great play has become a fine movie which features some of the finest acting of the year."
The Merchant of Venice is written and directed by Michael Radford, produced by Cary Brokaw (Closer, HBO's Angels in America, The Player), Barry Navidi, Michael Cowan, and Jason Piette, and stars Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes and Lynn Collins.
Sony Pictures Classics Co-President's Michael Barker and Tom Bernard and Dylan Leiner, SVP of Acquisition and Productions, negotiated the deal for Sony Pictures Classics, and Gary Hamilton, Managing Director, for Arclight Films.
Email Story to a Friend | Discuss on the Boards
Free Forum Hosting
Important Announcement
First 
Return to Coming Soon
