1

Movie Adaptation in Othello

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Course Name and Number

Professor’s Name

Assignment Due Date

 2

Introduction

The film “Othello” was written in 1603 by Shakespeare based on the story of a Moorish

Captain. The play was published in 1565, and its main character is Othello, the Moorish general.

The play entails various themes, such as racism, love, revenge, jealously, betrayal, and

repentance (Shakespeare, 2001). Because of its diversified nature, the play has been adapted in

various films together with other literary works globally. Another 2001 film named Othello

directed by Geoffrey Sax become dominant in British.

Movie Adaptation in Othello (2001)

Using a new dialogue and new characters, the film has managed to retain the original

power and capability, and still represent the current society. The film is set in London, a crime-

ridden city divided due to ethnic antagonisms.

Characterization in Othello (2001)

Compared to the original play, there is a small change in the 2001 movie. John Othello, the black

soldier who was declared the new commissioner by the Prime Minister in the 2001 movie

Othello represents Othello in the original play (Shakespeare, 2001). The position of Iago in the

original play is occupied by Ben Jago, who is bitter and jealous. To revenge, Jago destroys the

reputation of Othello in the eyes of the public. He causes problems to his interracial marriage

with Dessie Brabant, who takes Desdemona's position in the original play. Various characters,

including Allan Roderick, who represents Roderigo in the original play, his wife Lulu, who

represents Emilia and lieutenant Michael Cassio, representing Michael Cass, are trapped to

conquer Othello. It is evident that Geoffrey Sax slightly changes the names in the original play

but retains the characters' roles.

 3

Use of Modern Language in Othello (2001

In contrast to other Shakespeare adaptations, Geoffrey Sax does not use the original text. He is

forced to use the modern language to represent the new community since the film is set in

present-day London (Shakespeare, 2001). The modern language used in the movie allows the

scriptwriter to make choices when adapting to the movie.

Use of Camera Movements

The director exploits and manipulates the camera movements in reflecting the stage hence

making use of the film medium. There are many cases of quick editing and camera movement

that reveals the inner thoughts and chaos throughout the film. The direct addressing of the

camera after the film begins is an example of an exhaustive application of the camera. The

camera shows the affectionate moments of John Othello and his wife, Dessie. However, it slowly

tracks away, giving them privacy and allowing Othello to talk in a voiceover (Shakespeare,

2001). Ben Jago’s narration and the sound of the police car interrupts their intimate moments.

The camera then becomes stable, and the scene remains calm. Jago tells his story full of emotion

and bitterness, claiming that he also loved the woman. There is an excellent adaptation of the

camera, which shows a clear picture of Jago’s emotional status. He directly looks at the camera,

and the camera effects review many thoughts across his mind.

Conclusion

The 2001 movie, Othello, managed to maintain the power and potency of Shakespeare. At the

same time, the film has applied a particular camera technique and modern language. It has also

renamed the characters carefully to represent the characters in the original playing and maintain

their roles. Geoffrey Sax, the film director, has undoubtedly done a fantastic job in the film by
 4

using modern languages to represent modern society, yet still retaining the themes of the original

play.
 5

References

Shakespeare, W. (2001). othello (Vol. 6). Classic Books Company.