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      Othello

      1952 1 hr. 32 min. Drama List
      Reviews 92% Fewer than 50 Ratings Audience Score When a secret marriage is planned between Othello (Orson Welles), a Moorish general, and Desdemona (Suzanne Cloutier), the daughter of Senator Brabantio (Hilton Edwards), her old suitor Roderigo (Robert Coote) takes it hard. He allies himself with Iago (Micheál MacLiammóir), who has his own grudge against Othello, and the two conspire to bring Othello down. When their first plan, to have him accused of witchcraft, fails, they plant evidence intended to make him believe Desdemona is unfaithful. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      Teddy B 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/09/24 Full Review Alec B 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. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/27/24 Full Review Christopher R +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. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/23 Full Review Audience Member 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. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member My number 1 Orson Welles film hands down. I knew Welles held the Spot for best Director and Actor after watching his other critically acclaimed productions. Othello outshines them all. Every scene surrounding the breathtaking city of Venice is so artfully depicted.The contrasts between lights and shadows are simply breathtaking . Its cobblestone roads illuminated by moonlit very much reminded me of Carol Reed's Noir stylistics. An inspiration drawn from a picturesque work of art. Shakespeare's visions for Romance and Drama are heightened with every single interaction between Protagonist and Villain alike.The Pathos of discernment between Truth and lies immerses the viewer all the way ,until the bitter end. The discovery of how quickly one rumor demolishes so many lives is uncanny and typical for Shakespeares dramatic turn of events. Yet when all is said and done True Love and Truth Conquers all. This particular masterpiece has earned its finale to conclude in many a puddles of tears! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/18/23 Full Review Audience Member In a fascinating fusion of 20th century cinematographic techniques and 17th century theatrical material, Welles proves that his unique sense of grandeur can compliment the timeless drama of Shakespeare in a strangely natural way. Through intense use of foreboding tone and stark lighting, Welles crafts a spellbinding atmosphere within which the bard's material can comfortably assume its full form, stunning us with an experience that somehow manages to feel both new and familiar. The film does exude an oddly unfinished quality and Welles' choppy editing of the material at times diminishes the clarity of the work, however "Othello" nonetheless proves a captivating and intriguing experience due to the unique liberties that boldly make the material Welles' own. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      Ty Burr Boston Globe Rated: 3/4 Nov 24, 2011 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis When a secret marriage is planned between Othello (Orson Welles), a Moorish general, and Desdemona (Suzanne Cloutier), the daughter of Senator Brabantio (Hilton Edwards), her old suitor Roderigo (Robert Coote) takes it hard. He allies himself with Iago (Micheál MacLiammóir), who has his own grudge against Othello, and the two conspire to bring Othello down. When their first plan, to have him accused of witchcraft, fails, they plant evidence intended to make him believe Desdemona is unfaithful.
      Director
      Orson Welles
      Production Co
      Mercury Productions
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Dec 24, 2019
      Sound Mix
      Surround