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Othello [1964]
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RRP: £18.99
Our Price: £11.99 (subject to change)
Very Good
Review date: 2007-08-01 Rating: 8 out of 10
The performaces in this are universally amazing. Maggie Smith's Desdemona is the best I have seen yet, and I do not expect her to be outdone any time soon. Finlay gives a perfect performance as the coniving Iago. The pink elephant in the room, however, is Olivier's Othello. There is no denying that Olivier is one of, if not the, best Shakespearean actors, and he gives a very moving and tragic performace as Othello. While there are certainly aspects of his performance that could be considered racist, I don't believe they truely are. I have seen many black actors play Othello in a very similar fashion, thus it is hard to say that one thing or another is racist.
There is only one reason I gave this 4 and not 5 stars and that is the make-up job. The colour Olivier is painted is...odd to say the least. I imagine that this could be remidied by a good digital fix up, or simply by watching the film in black and white. I have not seen the DVD, only the VHS so I cannot say how improved it is, but in the end the film is worth watching for some amazing performances and to atleast form your own opinion of a rather controversial performace
Similar Products
- Othello (1990)
- Orson Welles' Othello [1952]
- King Lear
- Romeo And Juliet [1968]
- William Shakespeare's Macbeth [1978]
Reviews
Very impressive
Review date: 2004-06-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
At first you are impressed at the list of actors that appear (Maggie Smith, Derek Jacobi, and others). Then you are impressed with Olivier (makeup and acting style). Later you notice the great camera work that gives you the feel of the play and focuses in just the right place and time. The set gives us the feel we are watching the play (not some epic movie).
After the initial thrill you are so mesmerized by the play that all you see is the characters and the story augmented with Shakespeare's wit.
Othello and Desdemona are the perfect husband and wife. They love and trust each other implicitly. It seems that many other people especially men love Desdemona also. However, his most trusted and "honest" friend decides to act on this by treachery and deceit to convince Othello of Desdemona's alleged unfaithfulness. "The best laid plans..."
Even if you have and like other versions this is a must see and have.
painted othello
Review date: 2004-05-18 Rating: 4 out of 10
they could have made Laurence Olivier look a bit more realistic by painting him brown instead of charcoal black, or perhaps have cast someone who wasn't white in the first place? His delivery could be found offensive: we watched this in class and actually found it quite racist. It's quite fun to note though, whenever Othello touches Desdemona the scene is cut, apparently she had to keep changing her white dresses because the black paint kept coming off on her!
Simply the best !!!
Review date: 2003-08-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
Put simply, this is the best Othello to have been filmed so far, and it's destined to stay that way for a long, long time. The acting, pace, direction and production are fantastic. Nothing misses the mark. Just good, traditional, gripping theater of the best quality. Olivier's Othello was a sensation at the time, and still is. Finlay's Iago is the best I have ever seen. Maggie Smith's Desdimona is perfect. Also, the film has finally been restored, and is here presented in widescreen, with great colour and sound. Much better than the old video version, which is all that's been available until now. If you like Shakespeare, and want to see it acted beautifully, in a production which serves the author, as opposed to some director's whim, then buy this. You won't be dissapointed. ps. The bonus interview with Hopkins says nothing, and is a complete waste of time.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Maggie Smith
Joyce Redman
Laurence Olivier
Robert Lang
Frank Finlay
Creators:
Laurence Olivier (Primary Contributor)
Maggie Smith (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: British Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: British Home Entertainment
EAN: 5060059160020
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2003-07-15
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Running time: 170 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1964
Language: English (Original Language)