Comparison of Oliver Parker's 1995 film "Othello" and Shakespeare's play Othello

How  Parker's 1995 film "Othello" compares to the Shakespeare's Othello

  Note: compare means to state the differences and similarities

William Shakespeare’s Othello is a 17^th century tragedy which is based in Venice and captures the downfall of noble general, Othello, at the hands of the devious and crooked Iago; his ensign.   The first film version of the play was directed by Roman silent film director Ugo Falena in 1909. Titled “Otello”, the film is serious with humorous fragments and being shot in Venice is thought to be the first of Shakespeare’s’ plays to be filmed in its actual setting.  Oliver Parker’s “Othello”, released in 1995, is a more modern version of Shakespeare’s classic play in the form of film.  Though it follows the play’s action, Parker’s “Othello” can be compared to the original play Othello so that both the similarities and differences can be assessed.

Firstly, the film “Othello” by Oliver Parker can be seen as similar to Shakespeare’s play Othello.  Parker thoughtfully casts actors who are able to parallel almost perfectly the characters of Shakespeare’s Othello.  Irene Jacob, who is cast as Desdemona, has a face of pure innocence and decency with angelic eyes which appear to show genuine passion when Othello questions her chastity.  Likewise, Othello who is played by Laurence Fishburne embodies the voluptuous Moor flawlessly. His mediocre ability to speak the Shakespearean tongue alludes to Act I scene iii of the play where Othello admits that he is different from the rest of his society and proclaims “Rude am I in speech”.  All the actors in the film keep the names assigned in the play.  Another aspect of similarity Parker’s movie holds with the play is the plot.  Iago, spitting Othello for not choosing him as his lieutenant, poisons Othello’s mind knowing well his hamartia- gullibility.  Othello’s hubris, which is his desire to reach beyond what was possible in his society, is clearly seen in Parker’s version as he elopes with Desdemona despite being of different races and classes in society. The theme of racism which is potent in the play is also present in the film and is seen as characters such as Iago and Roderigo constantly make racist comments about Othello.  In keeping with the plays’ characters’ classes in society, Parker employs the use of costumes. Othello is seen wearing many flamboyant outfits and gold earrings which show that he is a highly respected and ranked soldier.  In contrast, Iago is seen wearing only one bland outfit throughout the film showing his lowly position as Othello’s ensign.

Additionally, Parker’s “Othello” has many adaptations which cause it to be different from Shakespeare’s play.  One major aspect of Parker’s film is the use of images of adultery which are seen in Othello’s dreams.  By thus doing, Parker allows the audience to be empathetic toward Othello as his inner state is exposed.  The viewers are able to note the aftermath of Iago’s beguiling actions as a disturbed and paranoid Othello engulfs the strong and good-natured general.  This brazen transformation causes this audience to understand Othello’s actions much better than in the play.  Another feature of the film, which differs from Shakespeare’s Othello, is Iago’s use of a chess board which is an allegory.  Iago places a black king, a white knight and a white king as Othello, Cassio and Desdemona respectively.  This scene shows Iago’s intention – to control each of their lives for his own amusement as if they were players in a game.  The placement of Cassio in between Othello and Desdemona suggests that he will be used to bring about the end of their union.  Portions of certain Acts in Shakespeare’s play have also been contorted by Parker.  The “sacred vow” between Othello and Iago in Act III scene iii is presented as a bloody handshake as the two wound themselves and join hands to show a more dramatic sign of loyalty to each other. Also, Act I scene ii of the play where Iago warns Othello of Brabantio’s plans against him is omitted in the film.   The role of women, which is to be submissive, is somewhat challenged in Parker’s film as Desdemona courageously begs the Duke to go to accompany Othello to Cyprus with no permission to do so.  In Shakespeare’s play Othello picks up this role. 

In conclusion, Oliver Parker’s “Othello” is a film which can be easily compared to Shakespeare’s play Othello, which it is based on, so that the similarities and differences can be highlighted.  Parker’s version of Othello remains a tragedy like the play; however certain parts are greatly distorted so that it boldly contrasts with the play.