Othello
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Movie Reviews of Othello
Movie Review: Teaching Othello and Transformation? Look no further!
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this "Othello" and as such, I highly reccommend it, for all that's worth. Especially if you are an English teacher looking for a successful and interesting transformation of Shakespeare's Othello into a contemporary context. This masterpiece theatre 2001 production is an excellent example of what is possible. Remember to look for the related Materpiece Theatre website resources that accompany the production.
This "Othello" has been translated into the modern language/ context of a London Met Police Department and you should be aware that this is not a direct "loyal" adaptation of Othello. It is a contemporary response to Shakespeare's "Othello" making several significant changes to the narrative detail whilst still maintaining thematic integrity. It has the potential to leave an audience divided over the ending and provoke much intelligent discussion in response. Whilst this "Othello" was made in the same year as "O", I personally believe that it leaves the Amercian film for dead. This film has a strong visual style and all the acting performances are strong. Especially Christopher Eccleston's Ben Jago with his manic asides directly to the camera which I personally really enjoyed.
Whether you watch for it pleasure or for study, this "Othello" deserves to be on your Shakespearean radar.
Movie Review: fantastic
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike many Shakespeare enthusiasts, I adore modern adaptations and staging of Shakespeare's works. One of the reasons his plays have endured is that they have a timeless quality that is understood generation after generation. His stories capture something essential about human nature that cannot be confined to a historical period.
Some modern versions of Shakespeare use original dialogue with updated settings, costumes, and character relationships. This sometimes works very well, as in Ethan Hawke's Hamlet or the Julie Taymor's Titus (my favorite). In this version of Othello, however, the dialogue has been modernized to match the setting.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I saw it in a class on Shakespeare's Tragedies at Syracuse University which was taught by a reknowned Shakespeare scholar. This was her choice as the best film version of Othello to show us. Othello is a story which translates particularly well into a modern version because it deals with issues such as racism, jealousy, and insecurity that make it applicable to a variety of situations. The acting in this movie is excellent - very believable and powerful. I highly recommend this movie to anyone, whether or not you have previous experience with Othello.
Movie Review: Best Modern Re-telling...Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I normally dislike movies that dispense with the words of Shakespeare. But for some reason, I loved this modern retelling of Othello. It didn't feel false, like the so-called 'William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet'.
The acting in it is superb. Eamonn Walker really grabs ahold of the role of John Othello and makes it perfect. I honestly cannot think of another actor that could have played this role to such ability.
Christopher Eccleston's casting to play Ben Jago was the perfect choice. He really gets to the heart of the role. The friend, passed over for the job that was his. The words he uses as narrations are well written, and perfectly acted.
Overall, I give this retelling of Othello 5 stars. Though now, maybe someone can do a full telling of the traditional play in this medium.
Movie Review: Best Modern Re-telling...Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I normally dislike movies that dispense with the words of Shakespeare. But for some reason, I loved this modern retelling of Othello. It didn't feel false, like the so-called 'William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet'.
The acting in it is superb. Eamonn Walker really grabs ahold of the role of John Othello and makes it perfect. I honestly cannot think of another actor that could have played this role to such ability.
Christopher Eccleston's casting to play Ben Jago was the perfect choice. He really gets to the heart of the role. The friend, passed over for the job that was his. The words he uses as narrations are well written, and perfectly acted.
Overall, I give this retelling of Othello 5 stars. Though now, maybe someone can do a full telling of the traditional play in this medium.
Movie Review: Fascinating- the same story but oh so different
Summary: 5 Stars
Don't think because you know the story, you know how this version is going to play out. I found it completely fascinating and the second time around this movie was as good as the first. Eamonn Walker was perfectly cast as the man who can control the crowds but not his own imagination. He was brilliant, but I'm afraid this movie belonged to Christopher Eccleston. Every time he faced the camera and gave a peek into what was really going on, he was stunning.
For original Shakespearean text, go for Laurence Fishburne's version, but to try something new, definitely watch this one.