(no subject)

I cannot wait to see this movie. Merchant of Venice certainly isn't my favorite Shakespeare, but I have a massive soft spot for it. And quoting it. Besides, there's an Antonio/Bassanio kiss. I really would like nothing more than to be able to walk into a theater right now and hear Portia's "the quality of mercy is not strained" speech, but alas, it's only been released in NY and LA. God. I love The Merchant of Venice. Back in the day, I wrote a paper (at 5 am, good times) comparing it to Quiz Show. I wonder if I still have it.

This has to be the best scene, because it's the one I most easily recall.

I haven't read any Shakespeare in some time. I miss his snark:

BASSANIO
This is no answer, thou unfeeling man,
To excuse the current of thy cruelty.


SHYLOCK
I am not bound to please thee with my answers.


BASSANIO
Do all men kill the things they do not love?


SHYLOCK
Hates any man the thing he would not kill?


BASSANIO
Every offence is not a hate at first.


SHYLOCK
What, wouldst thou have a serpent sting thee twice?


And Antonio! So tragically in love with Bassanio. I got to play him in this scene when we read it in class.

I am a tainted wether of the flock,
Meetest for death: the weakest kind of fruit
Drops earliest to the ground; and so let me
You cannot better be employ'd, Bassanio,
Than to live still and write mine epitaph.