Shakespeares Othello Movie Adaptation Overview and Social Relevance

Table of Contents

Introduction
Overview
Experience
Acting and Directing
Social Relevance
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction

Theatrical and cinematic adaptations of classic plays may differ from writers vision and intentions. Oliver Parkers movie based on Shakespeares Othello is an example of what happens when a classical literary work is altered to fit into mainstream cinemas characteristics. Parts of the play beloved by Shakespeares readers were deleted to make room for other elements that are popular in modern cinematography. While Parkers film is entertaining and features the same plot as the original play, it fails at delivering the same depth as theatrical versions.

Overview

William Shakespeares Othello has been adapted to a variety of media forms, and among the most contemporary versions is Olive Parkers movie with the same name. It was released in 1995 and received mixed reviews from critics and viewers (Parker, 1995). The overall plot of the film is not different from the plays story and follows the narrative about Othello, a Moor who is sent to Cyprus to defend the Venetian forces against the Turkish fleet. After receiving news that all hostile ships were destroyed by unsettled weather in the sea, Othello celebrates the event with his wife, Desdemona. The generals prosperous career is not welcomed by Iago, who devises a plan to ruin Othellos life. As the story unfolds, Iago manipulates Othello into believing that he has become a cuckold because of his wifes alleged sexual affairs with Othellos lieutenant. The movie concludes with a tragedy Othello kills Desdemona and commits suicide after discovering that Iago has been manipulative. The latter is captured by Othellos men and is taken to be executed.

Experience

For individuals who have not watched Othellos theatrical versions or have not read the book, Parkers movie will be perceived as an emotional and dynamic drama with a plot that unfolds quickly. Others, however, may feel disappointed because of the lack of many details. The movie runs for about two hours, while a typical theatrical performance takes more than 3.5 hours. While watching the movie, I had a feeling that some content was omitted and that the directors perspective was not multidimensional in some instances. For example, from the printed version, it can be derived that Iagos envy was based on a number of factors, including Othellos race, his success as a general in the Venetian army, trust on behalf of Venetian politicians, and Desdemonas love for Othello. Parker, however, decided to focus only on one aspect throughout the film, that is, the characters sexuality.

Shakespeares works explore a multitude of topics and should not be seen from a single perspective. This nature of the writers plays is reflected in the stage space of theatrical performances. The majority of shows are done on thrust stages to suggest that events can be looked at from different angles. The in-the-round auditorium is not used to imply that, while the story can be viewed from various perspectives, the truth is not placed on the surface. Parker failed to incorporate this philosophy into his movie adaptation. The product is instead an attempt to make another Hollywood blockbuster that can be easily digested by viewers.

Acting and Directing

Parker chose Laurence Fishburne to play Othello, and I believe this choice effectively emphasizes the attributes of the character the director focuses on. Fishburnes visual presence demonstrates Othellos physical strength and sexuality over other actors. Laurence is not as good at reading lines as actors in theatrical versions, but Parker had no intention to transfer the same quality of dialogs to his adaptation. Therefore, it can be considered that Fishburne performs well and fulfills the goal of the director. He shows Othello to be a nobleman with a strong spirit and physical characteristics to lead an army and be loved by women. At the same time, Shakespeares fans may feel themselves let down by the absence of the writers language in the majority of scenes.

Iago, however, is played by a non-trivial actor that has many years of experience directing and performing in Shakespeares plays. Kenneth Branagh is a prominent actor from Northern Ireland, and before playing in Parkers movie, he has performed in numerous other adaptations of Shakespeares plays. In Othellos movie version, Branagh delivers outstanding display, revealing Iagos cunning nature and exceptional skills in manipulation (Parker, 1995). Sir Kenneth is well-acquainted with Shakespeares word choices, which makes Iago look as if he is a character of greater importance than Othello. In contrast, Fishburne fails to deliver true meaning in some cases. For instance, when he says, Put out the light, and then put out the light, Fishburne sounds as if he means candle in both cases when he utters light (Parker, 1995). In reality, however, the second reference to light relates to Desdemonas life. There are no such issues with Branaghs depiction of Iago. Sir Kenneths work is the primary reason why people should watch this movie.

As mentioned, Parkers film runs for only two hours, while a theatrical performance lasts for more than three hours. This difference in length came at a cost many scenes were shrunk in size while almost one-third of dialogs were omitted entirely. Most Hollywood movies have similar running times, which suggests that the director practiced liberty over the script in order to turn Shakespeares creation into a marketable mainstream product. Much of the writers poetry was dismissed in favor of other elements, such as nudity. Irène Jacob plays Desdemona and emphasizes the characters seductiveness and sexual attractiveness. While the original play contains aspects of sex, no strong accent is put by the writer.

Othello was written several centuries ago, but the topics it addresses remain relevant even today. The tragedy was driven by jealousy, which made Iago implement his cunning intentions. Envy is, unfortunately, commonplace in contemporary social interactions. People may get jealous because of the success of others and make unreasonable choices. Another topic of the play is racism, which is present even today. Both the movie and the text show that blacks are often seen as inferior to white individuals. This issue has led to the emergence of institutional racism, which affects millions of people around the world. Workplace discrimination is one of the examples of how racism manifests itself in modern society.

Conclusion

Oliver Parkers movie adaptation of Othello is an entertaining film that gives an overview of the plays plot and the role of various characters in the play. However, it does not deliver the same experience as theatrical versions because of reduced size and omitted dialogs. Laurence Fishburne has no experience with Shakespeares vocabulary, which sometimes makes him look unfit for the role. Iago, however, was played by an exceptional actor, Kenneth Branagh, who has experience with many of Shakespeares literary pieces.