Othello drama review and analysis

¶ … Othello by William Shakespeare and the film version of the play directed by Oliver Parker. Specifically it will analyze play from a dramatic and design point-of-view. The film, released in 1995, stars Laurence Fishburne, Irene Jacob, and Oliver Parker. This film is an excellent rendition of Shakespeare's classic play, made even more appealing by the exceptional acting by Laurence Fishburne, who brings a sensual side to the role that is quite effective.

There have been many performances of Shakespeare's play "Othello" on the stage and in film. One of the best is the 1995 version that starred Laurence Fishburne as Othello. His performance made this dramatic play even more memorable and understandable, and truly brought the character of Othello to life. He gave Othello a sensual quality that helped explain Desdemona's attraction to him, and added another dimension to the character. The film also highlighted the racial tension at the heart of the play, and brought it more out into the open. Fishburne is a fine actor and he was an excellent choice for this production. In fact, each of the actors portrayed their parts with exceptional skill and emotion.

The film lasts about two hours, and it is clear after viewing that many cuts had to be made to fit it into that time frame. The script contains the original play, but pares it down to the scenes that are truly meaningful to the plot and characters. This made it easier to follow than the written play. It kept the dramatic intensity of the play, even by cutting so much. The essentials of plot and action were still there, so cutting the production did not harm it. Fishburne's acting throughout the play is intense, and he brings the brooding Moor to life effectively through dialogue and action. He is suitable intense and believable, and his love for Desdemona is clear, even if it does turn to outrageous jealousy. At one point in the film, he states about Desdemona, "My life upon faith," and he is entirely believable and human at that point. It is tragic that their love affair has to take a turn for the worse, but Fishburne makes Othello's jealousy seem plausible because of the intensity he gives the character.

The camera angles and direction all add to the dramatic effect of the play, too. In the pivotal scene where Othello confronts Desdemona and accuses her of being unfaithful to him, the camera zooms in to show Desdemona's reaction and her fear of Othello, and shows her from Othello's viewpoint as he looks down on her. The actors make the scene come to life, and it is difficult for the viewer to watch, because they know the inevitable conclusion. Othello is a fool to take the word of another over his wife, and Fishburne brings this tragic flaw effortlessly to life. This scene, like so many others in the film, blends lighting, camera work, and acting into one solid and very viewable unit.

Another interesting aspect of this production is the use of a black actor in the lead. Shakespeare made him Moorish for a reason, and yet many productions have used white actors in the lead role. Fishburne was more authentic, and brought his strength and passion to the role, which is just what it needed. His acting had to be strong to stand up to the work of Kenneth Branagh, who played Iago, and Fishburne's work certainly held its own. Branagh uses all of his abilities to appear trustworthy and believable, and Fishburne's character trusts him more than he does his own wife.