If there is one thing that this movie proves, than it must be the fact that Shakespeare is of all times and doesn't necessarily need to be situated in 16th century England. All you need is a good writer who is able to convert the story into modern times and that's exactly what Andrew Davies has done.
In this version of "Othello" we see how Ben Jago, destined to become the new commissioner of the London Police Department, is passed by his friend John Othello. Othello got the job because he proved to be a good link between the poor and rebellious parts of the community, who are sick of all the police brutality and the racism, and the police department. But Jago isn't all too happy with the fact that his best friend has 'stolen' his job from him and he decides to make Othello's life a living hell from now on, driving him to despair and horrible acts of jealousy...
I know that there are many people who love Shakespeare the way it was once written and find it a mortal sin to adapt it. Personally I don't have any problem with it. I liked the more or less classical adaptation in the movie "Shakespeare in Love" a lot, but I find this version of Othello at least as good as that other movie. I guess it is just a matter of taste... What makes this movie so good for me, next to the interesting story, is the acting. Eamonn Walker is really very good as the charismatic John Othello, but it is Christopher Eccleston as the excellently evil and backstabbing Ben Jago that I admire most. Perhaps it has more to do with his role in the movie than I might think at first, but I find his performance wonderful and hope to see more of him soon.
Anyway, despite the fact that so many people seem to hate it for many different reasons, I really liked this movie. Even though some may find it sacrilegious, I hope they will make many more adaptations of Shakespeare's work like this. I give it an 8.5/10
In this version of "Othello" we see how Ben Jago, destined to become the new commissioner of the London Police Department, is passed by his friend John Othello. Othello got the job because he proved to be a good link between the poor and rebellious parts of the community, who are sick of all the police brutality and the racism, and the police department. But Jago isn't all too happy with the fact that his best friend has 'stolen' his job from him and he decides to make Othello's life a living hell from now on, driving him to despair and horrible acts of jealousy...
I know that there are many people who love Shakespeare the way it was once written and find it a mortal sin to adapt it. Personally I don't have any problem with it. I liked the more or less classical adaptation in the movie "Shakespeare in Love" a lot, but I find this version of Othello at least as good as that other movie. I guess it is just a matter of taste... What makes this movie so good for me, next to the interesting story, is the acting. Eamonn Walker is really very good as the charismatic John Othello, but it is Christopher Eccleston as the excellently evil and backstabbing Ben Jago that I admire most. Perhaps it has more to do with his role in the movie than I might think at first, but I find his performance wonderful and hope to see more of him soon.
Anyway, despite the fact that so many people seem to hate it for many different reasons, I really liked this movie. Even though some may find it sacrilegious, I hope they will make many more adaptations of Shakespeare's work like this. I give it an 8.5/10