Watch Othello

Set in Venice and Cyprus during the late 16th century, the 1965 film adaptation of William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello stars Laurence Olivier as the title character, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and Frank Finlay as Iago, his ensign and trusted advisor. Directed by Stuart Burge, the film opens with Othello secretly marrying Desdemona (Maggie Smith), the daughter of a Venetian senator, and follows their tumultuous relationship as Iago weaves a web of lies and deceit to manipulate the jealous and gullible Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful.

As the film begins, Othello is respected and admired by his fellow soldiers and the Venetian government, who have entrusted him with the defense of Cyprus against the Turks. However, Iago resents Othello's promotion of Cassio (Derek Jacobi) as his lieutenant over him and seeks revenge by exploiting Othello's insecurities and fears. Using insinuations, fabrications, and half-truths, Iago convinces Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair behind his back, and that his honor and manhood are at stake if he does not take action.

As Othello gradually succumbs to Iago's poisonous words and becomes more and more obsessed with the idea of Desdemona's infidelity, he becomes increasingly erratic and violent, much to the horror of those around him. Desdemona, who is innocent of any wrongdoing, tries to defend herself and her honor, but her pleas fall on deaf ears as Othello sinks deeper and deeper into madness.

Laurence Olivier's performance as Othello is remarkable, blending physical agility, emotional depth, and vocal command in a way that few actors have matched. He portrays Othello as a man of dignity, courage, and nobility, but also as a man plagued by self-doubt, insecurity, and susceptibility to manipulation. His voice, which ranges from deep and sonorous to high-pitched and tremulous, conveys the conflicting emotions and thoughts that swirl within Othello's mind, from love and tenderness to jealousy and betrayal.

Frank Finlay, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Iago, is equally impressive, embodying the character's malice, cunning, and sadism with chilling precision. He uses every weapon in his arsenal, from flattery and sarcasm to innuendo and outright lies, to poison Othello's mind and turn him against his wife and friend. His facial expressions and body language reveal his delight in causing chaos and destruction, as well as his envy of Othello's status and Desdemona's beauty.

Maggie Smith, who would later win two Academy Awards for her roles in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and California Suite, is a radiant and sympathetic Desdemona, whose innocence and purity stand in stark contrast to the ugliness and cruelty of the other characters. She brings a natural grace, intelligence, and humor to the role, making Desdemona a three-dimensional and memorable character, rather than a mere victim.

The supporting cast, which includes Robert Lang as the corrupt and cowardly senator Brabantio, Derek Jacobi as the honorable and loyal Cassio, and Joyce Redman as the fiery and outspoken Emilia, Iago's wife, all give fine and nuanced performances, adding depth and complexity to the play's themes of race, gender, power, and morality.

The film's visual style, which blends naturalistic and expressionistic elements, is also noteworthy, with its use of stark lighting, stark composition, and stylized settings creating a sense of claustrophobia and tension. The sea, which is a motif in the play and a symbol of Othello's fate, is also used effectively, with the stormy and violent waves reflecting the turmoil and turmoil of the characters.

Overall, the 1965 film adaptation of Othello is a masterful and enduring interpretation of one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies, featuring some of the finest acting, directing, and cinematography of its time. It remains a compelling and moving portrait of human passion, jealousy, and corruption, and a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words and ideas.