Othello has hit the big-screen on numerous occasions, and in many different settings. Very seldom does the on-screen portrayal meet the standards set in the original works. The 1995 film starring critically acclaimed Kenneth Branaugh and Laurence Fishburne exceeds all expectations.
More often than not, you will see a Shakespeare play butchered on film in a version that does not meet organic standards. However, this is not the case with this version of Othello. It adheres to modern entertainment requirements all while retaining important aspects of the play. Oliver Parker stayed true to both the period and locations set by Shakespeare. He takes artistic license in the dialogue and character development.
The changes in the dialogue remain organic. Parker preserves the story told in the essential conversations, but he brings the speech into modern times. If he were to copy the original play word for word, audience members would have to translate the language to get any meaning.
A characteristic of modern drama is realism. Insight into the character must be present in order for the audience to sympathize with their situation. In the case of Othello (Laurence Fishburne), we are able to see a greater range of emotions that are often difficult to portray on paper. As an actor, this was a new venture for him. However, his previous roles in serious dramas left him well prepared for the Shakespearean character.
The film fell short with the lack of explanation regarding the emphasis on the fact that Othello was a Moor. They went so far as to give Othello's character more depth in order to give the audience insight into his troubles. However, I do not think that they went far enough.
The strong point in the film is the depiction of romance. Taking into consideration the subject matter of the story, the film was surprisingly very mild. The audience sees enough romance between Desdemona and Othello to give the impression of a strong bond between them. It never goes to far, or reveals too much, especially in the matter of what he envisions when thinking of his worst fears.
Almost everything that happens in the film is from Iago's point of view. Iago (Kenneth Branaugh) serves as both narrator of the story, as well as the creator of the plot. Branaugh's performance was brilliant, especially in regarding his range of emotions. Branaugh is a perfect choice for this part. He has an impressive résumé that includes such films as his own 1996 rendition of Hamlet, and the 1986 film Henry V.
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