Othello (2002/British TV)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C Telefilm: B-
Without much note, there has been a sudden cycle in the
last five years or so of doing Shakespeare’s’ plays as very modernized. It is odd, while the likes of Titus
was revived so well by Julie Taymor in 1999, more popular and common works like
Othello might be getting remade too often. The 2002 British Telefilm version we are looking at here is one
of the modernized adaptations, as directed by Geoffrey Sax. It has some good casting, is consistent, and
is short and to the point.
Eamonn Walker, most familiar to audiences as the prisoner
committed to Islam the most in the Barry Levinson-produced cable TV series Oz,
is John Othello. He has to deal with
jealousy and conflict in his relationship with mentor Iago (Christopher
Eccleston), wife Dessie (Keeley Hawes) and a conflicted society that he cannot
quite integrate into, no matter his success.
That he is of African dissent in a world of Caucasians (and British ones
at that in this case) makes matters worse.
If you do not know the story, the 96 minutes length may be too short to
do the book justice, yet it may still be a good literary start for those not so
inclined to The Bard.
This is professionally done and consistent, but for
whatever reason does not feel like it is as well rounded as it should be. Not enough is being said about what is being
touched on. As compared to Titus,
it seems too tame for its own good, as this telefilm may have been inspired by
its style. It fairs at least as well as
the problematic Baz Luhrmann Romeo & Juliet from 1996. At least it does not trash the book to do a
teen comedy, and Shakespeare has been gutted out enough for everyone’s taste.
The 1.33 X 1 full frame image is not bad, but noting too
memorable or that we have not seen before.
Daf Hobson shot this and is watchable throughout. No fancy editing tricks or shaky camera
clichés. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
is simple and with no surrounds, which is odd for a recent production, even one
for TV. Extras include text notes, cast
filmographies and Othello On Film segment. Also, Rachel Stirling is in the cast, so that’s a plus.
- Nicholas Sheffo
