Otello (1986)

Based on Shakesphere's play, Verdi's opera depicts the devastating effects of jealousy, "...the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds upon". Believing Otello has promoted the... See full summary »

Director:

Franco Zeffirelli

Writers:

Arrigo Boito (libretto), Franco Zeffirelli (adaptation),

Stars:

Plácido Domingo, Katia Ricciarelli, Justino Díaz

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Plácido Domingo	...	Otello
Katia Ricciarelli	...	Desdemona
Justino Díaz	...	Iago
Petra Malakova	...	Emilia
Urbano Barberini	...	Cassio
Massimo Foschi	...	Lodovico
Edwin Francis	...	Montano
Sergio Nicolai	...	Roderigo
Remo Remotti	...	Brabantio
Antonio Pierfederici	...	Doge
Ezio Di Cesare	...	Cassio (voice)
John Macurdy	...	Lodovico (voice)
Constantin Zaharia	...	Roderigo (voice)
Edward Toumajian	...	Montano (voice)
Giannicola Pigliucci	...	Brabantio (voice)

Storyline

Based on Shakesphere's play, Verdi's opera depicts the devastating effects of jealousy, "...the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds upon". Believing Otello has promoted the fast-rising Cassio over himself, Iago plots to destroy both Cassio and Otello. Iago convinces the jealous Otello that his beautiful wife Desdemona is unfaithful, and that Cassio is her lover. Jealousy is followed by tragedy, then retribution, "Has Heaven no more thunderbolts?"

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Plot Keywords:

jealousy | opera | tragedy | handkerchief | filmed opera | 

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Genres:

Drama | Music

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Netherlands Italy USA

Language:

Italian

Release Date:

12 September 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Othellos

Box Office

Gross:

$189,042 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cannon City Produktie Maatschappij B.V., Cannon Productions, Italian International Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)

User Reviews

Bravo!

A real rarity -- an opera on film that still retains its power. In fact, this version is even more powerful that some stage productions. The subtitles are easy to read, the staging is atmospheric, and the cast is wonderful.