Othello

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Scott R @ScottR 3 days ago NYT 1000 films. Arguably Welles’ best film. I am surprised no had not seen it yet. Excellent cast, music, settings in Morocco and Italy, cinematography, and so many other amazing features. I checked out the dvd from DC library and it was the criterion collection and I am glad I did. I first watched it with the commentary of Bogdonovitch and another gentleman who also had insight into the film and Welles. This commentary set things up brilliantly, because I then watched the film again without it and it took it to a whole other level or art. The blood, sweat and tears that Welles put into this is tremendous. It was truly a labor of love that was not well received. It also included interviews with Desdamona and a short made by Welles in Ireland about Glennascaul. I was inspired by this movie and the tragedy that seemed to be all about Welles’ life. Despite it cutting down parts for brevity, it still is my favorite version. See more Johnathon W @Hoppynsc Mar 14, 2026 Well-crafted but dated adaptation of the Shakespeare, mainly as the black face Orson Welles performs is now very much out of place. The cast is solid across the board and Welles at least plays Othello straight, even when in black face. However, it was at this point in history that black actors were playing the part on stage, thus films were soon to follow. Thankfully, Welles work behind the scenes makes a solid viewing, with some great visuals and uses of shadow & angles, making for one of the better adaptations of the play. While a relic of the past, still in important one considering the filmmakers involved. See more Teddy B @RT38636458 Mar 9, 2024 It does condense Shakespeare's text quite drastically, but Orson Welles's pensive direction and brilliant performances save this film and make it very enjoyable and thought-provoking throughout. See more Alec B @Alec97 Feb 27, 2024 A fascinating adaptation. It's true to Shakespeare's text but remixed and cut down to the bare essentials while using close-ups and clever editing to communicate the character's inner psychology. All the more impressive once you realize Welles had to beg, borrow, and steal for three years to complete the movie. See more Christopher R @RT33320041 Aug 13, 2023 +JMJ An absolute classic. One of Welles' greatest films and performances alongside Citizen Kane and A Man for All Seasons. Gripping from start to finish. I'd dare to say that this is one of the best Shakespeare film adaptions to date. In Welles fashion, the cinematography is both technically genius and beautifully presented. The sound effects and music are wild but are nonetheless successful in setting the tone of the film. Every cast member breathes the life of authenticity into his or her role. See more Petros T @PetrosTserpelis Sep 12, 2022 While it's not without its weak moments (e.g. the unconvincing, poorly executed murder scenes), "The Tragedy Of Othello: The Moor Of Venice" is a captivating film, balancing deftly between Shakespeare's beautiful, demanding dialogue, the theatrical elements and an atmosphere more akin to that of a thriller. The story's tragicalness comes through, the score is excellent, some of the shots are very inspired, MacLiammóir is great as Iago, and Welles gives a terrific, nuanced performance as Othello. See more Read all reviews

Othello

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