Othello (1995)

The Moorish General Othello is manipulated into thinking that his new wife Desdemona has been carrying on an affair with his Lieutenant Michael Cassio, when in reality, it is all part of the scheme of a bitter Ensign named Iago.

Director:

Oliver Parker

Writers:

Oliver Parker (adaptation), William Shakespeare (play)

Stars:

Laurence Fishburne, Kenneth Branagh, Irène Jacob

3 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Laurence Fishburne	...	Othello
Irène Jacob	...	Desdemona (as Irene Jacob)
Kenneth Branagh	...	Iago
Nathaniel Parker	...	Cassio
Michael Maloney	...	Roderigo
Anna Patrick	...	Emilia
Nicholas Farrell	...	Montano
Indra Ové	...	Bianca (as Indra Ove)
Michael Sheen	...	Lodovico
André Oumansky	...	Gratiano (as Andre Oumansky)
Philip Locke	...	1st Senator
John Savident	...	2nd Senator
Gabriele Ferzetti	...	The Duke of Venice
Pierre Vaneck	...	Brabantio

Storyline

Iago convinces Othello, The Moor of Venice that his wife, Desdemona has been unfaithful. Iago is an evil, manipulative character with his own agenda. A plot of jealousy and rage transpires in this classic Shakespearean tale.

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Plot Keywords:

italy | black man white woman marriage | black man white woman sex | black man white woman kiss | black man white woman romance | 

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Taglines:

Envy, greed, jealousy and love.

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

Otelo

Filming Locations:

Orsini Castle, Bracciano, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$29,097, 17 December 1995

Gross USA:

$2,844,379

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$2,844,379

Company Credits

Production Co:

Castle Rock Entertainment, Dakota Films, Imminent Film Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Laurence Fishburne's only exposure to William Shakespeare prior to this was reading Hamlet in high school.

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Goofs

During Emilia's dying speech, the already dead Desdemona can be seen breathing.

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Quotes

Othello: I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this; Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.

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Connections

Version of Othello (1906)

User Reviews

Brannagh in yet another brilliant performance

I am a very big fan of Shakespeare - being an actor it almost comes with the territory, but i am not a fan of Shakespeare being cut - It should be performed as it was written. But this version by Oliver Parker seems to pull it off.

Being a touch put off by the fact that he had cast Laurence Fishburne as the moor, I watched it for the mere fact that Brannagh was playing Iago. Brannagh is the man who knows when it comes to the Bard, and being a slightly different part to play for him (and he wasn't directing it) it seemed very interesting. And he pulled off the character wonderfully.

He managed to play Iago with just enough flourish without making everything obvious. If I didn't already know the story I may have though he was telling the truth half of the time.

Fishburne himself actually gives in a good if somewhat restrained performance and Irene Jacob as Desdemona is convincing, but it is the boy from Belfast, Brannagh, who steals the show.

There are many excellent minor performances in the movie also, Michael Maloney as Rodrigo and Anna Patrick as Emilia to name but two.

Parker's direction of the piece is also very good, especially visually, the love scenes with the black/white skin are a bit obvious, but still a nice touch.

The bottom line for me, would be if you enjoy Shakespeare and Othello isn't on at your local Theatre - rent the video, or go to the cinema to see this version - you won't be disappointed. If you don't enjoy Shakespeare - watch it and be converted.