Othello
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Movie Reviews of Othello
Movie Review: Fishburne yes - Branagh no
Summary: 3 Stars
To keep it brief, I agree with Mathias' view. I loved Fishburne's portrayal of Othello, but was sorely disappointed in Branagh's Iago, played as an imp rather than an irredemable, vile, hateful villian such as only Shakespeare could create with complete credibility. I was the more dismayed at his unfortunate portrayal, having been so totally taken by Branagh's brilliant Henry V. I am likely influenced by my first exposure to Othello with Sir Laurence Olivier's Othello (most admirably done, but I was disappointed in the portayal 'in black face' - even in 1965 - when so many gifted black actors are available); and Frank Finlay's Iago was perfectly vile to the n'th degree. That production remains, for me, the definitive version just as Kenneth Branagh's Henry V, Olivier's Lear, and Zeferelli's Romeo and Juliet are their respective definitive versions.Movie Review: Uneven
Summary: 3 Stars
Laurence Fishburne goes against type and misses the mark. I'm a big fan of both Laurence Fishburne and Kenneth Branagh and bought this title on sight.As Iago Branagh absolutely oozes wrath and hatred as he stalks his Moorish prey. Branagh really takes the caricature and runs with it. His Iago loves being bad and takes pride in his nefarious doings.
Laurence Fishburne unfortunately never settles in his role. His Moore is too unmilitary to be anything more than a corporal of the guard. He looks uncomfortable in that armor and lacks a commanding presence that any good general would have built in. He is flat and lacks passion . The underlay of violence that should always be under the surface is missing in his Moore. Thus why does he get enticed to marry and how does Iago set up his trap? A passionless Moore is oxymoron.
Movie Review: Branagh, and not much else
Summary: 3 Stars
Fishburne has energy, but no subtext; he's all bluster. He also has zero chemistry with Irene Jacob, who is shockingly awful as Desdemona. I have no idea why or how she was allowed to speak English in a movie. On a bright note, however, the actress who played Emilia did an excellent job, and Branagh's Iago is the stuff of legend. This is a must-have for teachers of Shakespeare, like myself, but not for anyone else.Movie Review: When will people learn that Kenneth Branagh sucks?
Summary: 2 Stars
I could talk about many things I hate about this movie. Like for Desdemona, whose actring, poor command of English and thick French accent made me not very sad to see her die. Or an insipid Emilia and wholey unmemorable Cassio. Or the lack of chemistry between Desdemona and Othello; it was very difficult to tell that they were even a couple, much less so deeply in love.
But, no, instead I will focus on what to me was the most glaring problem: Iago. Iago is normally my favorite character; I have seen many versions of "Othello," movie and stage, and in each and every one of them I have found Iago to be the greatest Shakespeare villain ever: complex, tortured yet humorous--so intelligent and cunning that you just have to love him. Iago is a character that the audience is supposed to like against their will: I have read tales that many actors who play Othello feel that Iago steals the limelight from him. In the version with James Earl Jones, the audience loved Iago so much that they were booing when he was arrested--they didn't want him to get caught.
However, Branagh's Iago is the first Iago that I have found to be flat, 2d, and wholly unlikeable. I have never liked Branagh very much to begin with (his directing is terrible and what kind of director casts himself in main roles like that?); I am of the opinion that he does nothing more than chew scenery. Indeed, in "Othello" he trounces around and screws up his face and laughs and performs what he thinks is good Shakespeare. But, he lacks the charisma and charm necessary for Iago, so one never really gets attached to him. Also, he fails to give the underlying psyche behind Iago, to explain to us how he could have done what he did. He is shown as a dumb jerk, not remotely likable or deep at all. I blame this on his directing (like those unnecessary added things in the scene where Emilia gives Iago the handkerchief) and, of course, mostly his acting.
It's a shame, too, because Lawrence Fishbourne does a great job as "Othello." I'd keep him, but replace the rest of the cast. I'm giving a whole extra star just for him.
Movie Review: English teacher gives this DVD a "D"
Summary: 2 Stars
I had heard such good things about this production, but upon viewing the DVD I am left wondering why.
Yes, the sets and costumes look great, but if you are planning on showing this movie to your students after reading the play, be warned. It is pretty explicit. There is full frontal nudity and very suggestive sex scenes. I would not feel at all comfortable viewing this with a classroom of teenagers.
Besides the overt sexuality, I found fault with Branagh's rendition of Iago (which many reviewers here seemed to praise). There were too many asides for my liking. It was like watching an episode of "Moonlighting" (If any of you remember that TV show from the 80s) where the character is constantly speaking into the camera. Rather than letting the Audience gain insight into Iago's thoughts (which is what I believe Shakespeare intended in the soliloquies), Branagh's performance became grandstanding IMO ("Look at me. Aren't I clever.").
I know that good productions of "Othello" are rare. I was told that this version was the best one. Sad to say: if this is the best one, just stick to the book. Don't include this DVD for classroom enrichment.